Plans Will Be Developed To Support An Active And Healthy, Environmentally Sustainable, Culturally Vibrant City
Richmond Hill – Council has endorsed the key directions driving a future update to the City’s Parks Plan and the development of a combined Recreation and Culture Plan to guide the future of related amenities and services to 2031.
As part of Council’s commitment to Balancing Growth and Green, the two plans will take into consideration the anticipated growth and needs of the community and aid in addressing the City’s continued commitment to mitigating the effects of climate change. The plans will also account for costs of programs and facilities from inception to construction and maintenance to ensure financial sustainability.
Key findings and themes for consideration were identified based on research and input from residents and other stakeholders last year, including:
- Planning for a multi-purpose North Leslie Community Centre (target 2031)
- Planning for a series of linear parks, urban squares and streetscape enhancements to link residents living in the City’s growing intensification areas to existing larger parks in the neighbourhoods
- Responding to community demands and trends for amenities such as indoor soccer, pickleball courts, outdoor skating rink options and off-leash dog areas
- Designing and/or revitalizing destination and community parks to facilitate year-round and extended day/evening use
- Re-purposing the undersized Bayview Hill fitness centre to address other in-demand needs such as dedicated youth space or adult 55+ space
- Using the Cultural Leadership Council as an expert roundtable of cultural growth in the City
- Reviewing the Community and Cultural Grant Program and identifying opportunities to improve/reintroduce the program in 2022
- Increasing the number of regularly held special events to revive the community and neighbourhood spirit
- Undertaking a feasibility study to create an arts and cultural district to facilitate the attraction of creative individuals and organizations in a central location
Draft plans are expected to be brought to Council in spring 2022 for further endorsement and public input. For more information, visit RichmondHill.ca/ParksPlan.
Public comments welcome
Residents are invited to read the full Key Findings and Directions Report to learn more about how the City is planning to deliver enhanced recreational opportunities to meet the future needs of our growing community.
Comments on the report can continue to be submitted to planning@richmondhill.ca through the end of March.
QUOTE
“Richmond Hill has so much to offer residents and visitors – from incredible destination parks and unique features like our skate trail and boardwalk, to a wonderful performing arts centre and award-winning festivals and events. As the city continues to grow, we want to make sure our park, recreation and culture amenities continue to meet the needs and desires of our community. These two plans will set the stage over the next ten years, bringing more opportunities to enjoy an active lifestyle, a vibrant cultural scene and greater social connection.”
– Mayor David West
QUICK FACTS
- Public consultation for the Parks Plan and combined Recreation and Culture Plan began in summer 2021. The City received close to 1,200 survey responses to the online survey.
- The City has 167 parks with 529 outdoor recreation facilities located within them
- During an average year, over 200,000 participants attend events and there are close to 71,000 registrants in programs.
