Violet King Park: Hillhurst-Sunnyside Honors Calgary's Trailblazing Lawyer

CALGARY, AB — A new park in Hillhurst-Sunnyside now carries the name of a woman who broke barriers when few thought it possible.

Violet King Park was officially dedicated today during a ceremony attended by Mayor Jeromy Farkas and community members who braved the cold to honor Calgary's first Black female lawyer. The park sits across the street from where Violet King Henry once lived, a fitting tribute to a woman whose legacy deserves more than footnotes.

Community-Driven Recognition

The Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Association led the charge to name the park, working through The City of Calgary's Naming of City Assets Policy. Public engagement ran from October 23 to November 13, 2025, giving residents a voice in cementing this piece of local history.

King Henry practiced law in Calgary in the early 20th century, navigating a profession and society that wasn't built for her. Her story is one of quiet defiance and professional excellence in an era when both were revolutionary acts.

What Comes Next

The HSCA is now accepting donations to fund interpretive elements for the park—think benches, signage, or public art that will tell King Henry's story to future generations. It's one thing to name a park. It's another to make sure people know why the name matters.

The dedication marks a tangible step in making Calgary's hidden histories visible. On a chilly February afternoon, that feels like progress worth celebrating.