By Mario Toneguzzi

It’s nestled beside Griffith Woods Natural Environment Park that lies along the banks of the Elbow River - a gem for both the community and for the city at large.

What do I love about Discovery? Griffith Woods, the community paths, the skating rink and tennis courts, the C-store, a connection with nature, the view of the mountians. It’s why I call Discovery home.” – David Pellettier, RE/MAX First

The Park itself is very large with numerous paved and unpaved paths for people to explore its natural habitat of flora and fauna including moose, deer, orchids, plenty of birds chirping away and its spruce and balsam poplar forest. The wetlands add to the beautiful natural environment of this Park.

It was created in 2000 and named after Wilbur Griffith who, with his wife Betty, donated a portion of their estate to The City of Calgary to be set aside as a nature preserve - one that today is a very popular destination for nature lovers. 

Discovery Ridge is at the western edge of the city, bounded by Stoney Trail to the north, 69th Street W to the east, Rocky View County and the city limits to the west and the Elbow River and Tsuu T'ina First Nation to the south.

Here’s an interesting fact about the area. In the past, before it became a housing development, it was referred to as Jackson’s Valley beside the Sarcee Military Reserve. Development first began in the late 1990s with the community first known as New Discovery and it was originally planned as a gated community but the concept never materialized and eventually the community became known as Discovery Ridge.

Beyond the intimate connection with nature, residents can be found in the Cornerstone Shopping Centre enjoying the many stores, restaurants and services in the popular location - from the Maharajah East Indian Cuisine restaurant to the donut shop, Wonder Donuts to Laque Nail Bar to various health and wellness services such as medical, dental and aesthetics. Of course the West Hills Towne Centre and the Signal Hill Shopping Centre are also close by for consumers.

Because the neighbourhood is small in overall size, it has limited growth potential which makes it an attractive option for many people to live in one of the city’s smaller and quieter communities.

Some popular amenities that the community participates in include the Westside Recreation Centre and it has three golf courses nearby to spend time on the links if you are so inclined - the Pinebrook Golf and Country Club, the Glencoe Golf and Country Club and the Elbow Springs Golf Club.