The uplifting trill of birdsong, neighbours greeting each other as they pass, a serene suburban landscape of quiet reflection and connection to nature. That scene of quietude and comfort in the ponds and pathways of Edmonton’s new communities doesn’t come accidentally. There’s a lot of meticulous planning that goes into it, and today’s land developers are getting better at it.

The ponds and pathways of Edmonton’s new communities are a key feature that not only attracts buyers to the community but perform a function beyond just aesthetics. They are among the first amenities to become available in a new community, as developers realize the role they play in creating the character of a new neighbourhood.

The community pond, for instance, is pretty but is also a necessity where rainwater is directed to slow the flow of water to the creeks and rivers and prevent overland flooding. It also acts as a filter to prevent sediment from reaching vital waterways. The pathways built around them are landscaped to provide residents a soothing escape from the hectic urban life.

Combined, they provide an idyllic space for shared recreation. Joggers, bikers, dog walkers all share this outdoor amenity that has become a prerequisite in Edmonton’s new neighbourhoods.

Creating a vision

“Having paths and ponds in place before residents move into a community is important because it sets the foundation for a well-planned, livable, and attractive neighborhood from day one,” says Careen Chrusch, Marketing Director for Mattamy Homes, which is developing the new communities of Hearthstone in Sherwood Park, and Stillwater in West Edmonton.

“ We strive to balance the essential engineering function of the pond with thoughtful design elements that enhance the space for residents. ” says Cantiro Land Development Director, Nick Young. Since ponds occupy a significant portion of the community, it’s important to not only ensure safety but also to beautify and maximize their amenity value. At Alces, we’ve incorporated plaza and gathering spaces, along with scenic viewpoints featuring Adirondack chairs, to create inviting areas for connection and relaxation”

Scott Rudman, Rohit Communities’ Senior Project Manager for Cambrian, says they approach pond and pathway design with a focus on creating sustainable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing environments that enhance residents’ quality of life. “For example, in Cambrian, we designed the community to take advantage of the natural landscape, with four ponds and over 8 kilometers of mixed-use trails that connect to multiple parks throughout the community.”

Importance of ponds and pathways

Ponds and pathways give a feeling of belonging in a community, and that is why developers endeavour to bring them in as soon as possible.

“These features immediately provide safe access, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities, which improve residents’ quality of life and create a stronger sense of community right away. Early installation also ensures proper integration with the overall design, allowing for better stormwater management, landscaping, and accessibility. Plus, seeing these features already in place builds trust in the development and makes the community more appealing to potential homebuyers.”

Young says pathways and ponds are more than asphalt and green spaces—they are “connectors” of people, purpose, and well-being. “They encourage families to walk, bike, and spend more time outdoors. Foster a sense of belonging with multiple stop-and-chat places. In Alces, they include gazebos, benches, and Adirondack chairs throughout the parks.”

He adds that pathway amenities also provide kids with destinations to explore safely, whether it’s the playground with five slides, rope climbers, balance beams, and pump track or neighbourhood commercial amenities . “They offer dynamic alternatives to driving to amenities—right in the heart of the community.”

Nature in the community

Developers design their communities to welcome nature and enhance recreational opportunities, but there are subtle differences in how they approach this.

In Stillwater, Mattamy brought in pathways that connect residents to the natural area and HOA centre. “They are well used and loved by people of all ages and are popular locations for dog walking and bird watching. There are paths that go through the trees as well with a wooden boardwalk. A large stormwater pond offers cover and biodiversity for wildlife,” Chrusch says.

While the pathways in their Hearthstone community in Sherwood Park currently connects residents to Helen Lavender Park and other amenities and are marked by barn-style gathering hubs. “These paths extend around the large stormwater pond (one kilometre circumference around the pond) and offer shelter for wildlife. We are working on adding wildlife habitats like nesting areas and bat boxes around the pond area. These pathways also extend across Oldman creek ravine which is a wildlife corridor itself.”

She also says that these can serve as outdoor classrooms teaching about ecosystems, water conservation and environmental stewardship. “We will be incorporating different types of interpretive signage onto the pathways and pond location in Hearthstone.” Find out more at Mattamyhomes.com.

Weaving recreation, learning and beauty

Alces is unique in how it weaves recreation, learning, and beauty into everyday life, Young say. There are several things that set it apart and makes it special to resident. One is that the storm pond is both scenic and central, offers a peaceful walking loop and photo-worthy views.

“We have trails leading to meaningful destinations—like basketball courts, playgrounds, natural wetlands, and gathering spaces with gazebos and seating. There’s interpretive signage that transforms the trails into a ‘living classroom,’ highlighting the role of wildlife habitats, and wetland ecology.”

There is also a strong emphasis on natural landscaping, such as using clover instead of grass, which reduces environmental impact and invites community participation (e.g., signs encourage residents to protect clover growth for pollinators).

Alces currently has walking and shared-use pathways and features two natural wetland areas integrated into the stormwater system. A central storm pond anchors one of the key trail loops, offering a relaxing place to walk and observe nature. Go to liveinalces.ca for more information.

Perfecting nature

Regarding pond design, Rohit Communities also takes into consideration water quality through natural vegetation, creating sediment collection ponds, and encouraging biodiversity to mimic natural systems. “Our design encourages leisurely strolls around the ponds and creates opportunities for residents to interact through centrally located playgrounds connected by our multi-use trails,” Rudman says. “Lastly,

features beautiful ravine trails where residents can take in the natural beauty of Oldman Creek while staying active and healthy.”

Cambrian features over eight kilometres of trails and pathways and over 21 acres of pond areas spread over four wetland/pond areas.

“By integrating practical stormwater management with attractive recreational spaces, our pond and pathway system in Cambrian delivers multiple benefits—from flood protection and water filtration to creating social gathering places and promoting active lifestyles—all while elevating our community’s overall character and appeal,” Rudman says. Go to liveincambrian.com for more.