DID YOU KNOW? Barbecues no longer permitted at Richmond Hill's Lake Wilcox Park

Tents and digging holes in the ground, including for large umbrellas, also not allowed

Yorkregion.com
Sept. 1, 2020
Sheila Wang

No more barbecuing at Lake Wilcox Park.

Richmond Hill has banned barbecuing at the popular park in Oak Ridges starting Sept. 1 due to safety concerns.

The city announced the new rule in a press release on Aug. 28, noting barbecues damage the sod and create a potential fire hazard.

The announcement is part of the city’s latest efforts to keep the park clean and safe this summer following the enforcement of paid parking for non-residents in mid-July.

NO TENTS

Tents have never been allowed at Lake Wilcox and any other city park.

They damage the grass and create a tripping obstacle. Tents also block the lake views that bring people to Lake Wilcox, impeding the enjoyment of all park goers.

NO DIGGING

Digging the ground is not allowed at Lake Wilcox Park due to the damage it causes. This includes digging large umbrellas into the turf.

NO FREE PARKING FOR NON-RESIDENTS

Park users from outside the city will be charged $5 per hour for parking at the main lot, located at the park entrance off Bayview Avenue at Stouffville Road.

They will be charged $4 per hour for parking at the overflow gravel lot at the entrance off Olde Bayview Avenue, and Oak Ridges Community Centre Lots at the entrances off Bayview Avenue.

From next year onward, the parking program is expected to be in effect each year from April 1 to Sept. 30.

Richmond Hill residents can obtain free permits through parking.richmondHill.ca for the four parking lots.