Exciting Future Ahead for Parks, Recreation and Culture in Richmond Hill

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.

Like this article?

Share
Share
Email

Recent Articles

September 1, 2023

From the Desk of Mayor David West September E-Newsletter 2023 Dear Neighbours, The last long weekend of summer is upon us and although summer holidays

Read More »

August 7, 2023

From the Desk of Mayor David West August E-Newsletter 2023 Dear Neighbours,   The celebrations for Richmond Hill’s 150 Anniversary are ongoing and as a

Read More »

July 7, 2023

From the Desk of Mayor David West July E-Newsletter 2023 Dear Neighbours, Happy Canada Day! Were you able to celebrate at Richmond Green on July

Read More »

June 2, 2023

From the Desk of Mayor David West June E-Newsletter 2023 Dear Neighbours,   Summer has started with a bang and as I write this, we

Read More »

May 5 2023

Dear Neighbours, The saying “April showers bring May flowers” seems appropriate this year as gardens everywhere are springing to life! Now more than ever we

Read More »