Most Calgarians visit Riley Park for picnics, sports, or a quiet stroll along its winding paths, but few know it’s home to a hidden historical gem: the Senator Patrick Burns Memorial Rock Gardens.
Located on the north side of the historic Riley Park, the Senator Patrick Burns Memorial Rock Gardens serve as a living tribute to one of the legendary “Big Four” ranchers who helped launch the Calgary Stampede back in 1912.
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Patrick Burns was a successful businessman, primarily in the beef and ranching industries, where he built one of western Canada’s largest cattle operations and meatpacking companies. He supplied beef not only to Calgary and the surrounding areas but also to different parts of Canada, earning him the title of “Cattle King.”
From 1931 to 1936, Burns served as a Canadian senator before his death in 1937. Burns’ wealth and influence allowed him to play a key role in shaping and funding the early Stampede alongside fellow wealthy cattlemen George Lane, A.E. Cross, and Archie McLean, who became known as the “Big Four.”
City of Calgary – Your Local Government/Facebook
In 1956, the Senator Patrick Burns Memorial Rock Gardens were designed by Alex Munro, the superintendent of Calgary parks at the time, who used 20,000 sandstone blocks from Burns’ mansion, which was demolished in 1955. In 1957, the garden was planted with trees, shrubs, and alpine plants, totalling around 15,000 plants.
Today, Riley Park is a vibrant community hub, hosting cricket matches, summer events, and tons of Calgarians, but the rock gardens quietly preserve Burns’ legacy. The gardens feature a fountain and pond, tiered paths, a flower garden with Burns’ cattle brand, and plaques honouring both Burns and Munro.
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