6 unique park features to explore in Richmond Hill this summer

Yorkregion.com
July 12, 2021

Home to 147 parks and over 150 kilometres of trails, Richmond Hill is full of unique and award-winning amenities to discover and enjoy. From themed playgrounds to one-of-a-kind experiences, check out some of these hidden gems this summer:

PLAY A LIFE-SIZED BOARD GAME AT SNAKES AND LADDERS PARK (51A Mancini Crescent)

Snakes and Ladders Park is no ordinary park. Spanning close to one acre, this award-winning park features a life-sized Snakes and Ladders board game. Spin the jumbo dice to move around the board, slide down the snakes and climb up the ladders. The first person who lands on square 100 wins. The park also has a picnic table with a built-in game board and the playground features swings, a slither slide and a serpentine see-saw.

TWIST AND TURN ON THE 'WALLHOLLA' AT ROUGE CREST PARK (147 Rothbury Road)

Kids will find different ways to explore while playing on the Wallholla at Rouge Crest Park -- a play structure that consists of a steel maze with endless twists and turns. The park also features two, rubberized play surfaces made from recycled tires, which cater to a range of mobility needs. Look for the beautiful nature-inspired patterns incorporated throughout the park -- including a seashell-inspired hill feature, walkways that imitate birch tree trunks, islands and streams and benches shaped like waves and stars.

COUNT THE SALAMANDERS AT JEFFERSON SALAMANDER PARK (Bayview Avenue and Anchusa Drive)

Located alongside the Oak Ridges Corridor Conservation Reserve, Jefferson Salamander Park pays tribute to the life cycle of the endangered Jefferson salamander. Follow the salamander's life cycle starting in the "Vernal Pool" playground. After that, take a stroll along the walkway to find the aquatic larva and a giant mature salamander depicted in the concrete paving. End your walk at the "Forest" playground, which features beautiful, natural log play structures.

Note: parking for Jefferson Salamander Park is available in Lake Wilcox Park (pay parking lot). Richmond Hill residents can download free parking permits for Lake Wilcox Park at parking.richmondhill.ca (one per household).

STARGAZE ON THE WELDRICK NIGHTSTAR BRIDGE (Weldrick Road East between Yonge and Church Streets)

Winner of multiple awards, Weldrick Nightstar Bridge is designed with an astronomical theme inspired by the David Dunlap Observatory. Constellation names are etched into the bridge deck and star-shaped holes along the side panels are reminiscent of twinkling stars in the night sky. Serving as a gateway to David Dunlap Observatory Park, the 28-metre pedestrian bridge's subtle lighting provides breathtaking views and a unique photo opportunity for visitors. The best time to go is in the evening when skies are clear, making it the perfect spot for astronomy lovers, or those out for a romantic stroll.

MAKE THE FRONT PAGE AT MARY DAWSON PARK (94 Don Head Village Boulevard)

A tribute to Mary Dawson, well known for her dedication to the community and involvement as a writer for the Richmond Hill Liberal for 30 years, this 5.75 acre park features themed elements honouring her love for reporting and the newspaper industry. The park's sign simulates the linotype method used for printing. The industrial feel of a printing press is mimicked through the extensive use of concrete and the galvanized steel of the shade structure, while the cool grey tone of concrete resembles the colour of newsprint. You will find a concrete runnel, that conveys rainwater, inspired by a printing press conveyor belt. This park includes a junior softball diamond, playgrounds and a basketball court for visitors to enjoy.

DISCOVER BRANCHES OF THE ROUGE RIVER AT HEADWATERS COMMUNITY PARK (270 Redstone Road)

Inspired by its significant location, where three Rouge River headwater streams meet, Headwaters Community Park was designed to mimic nature's way of draining water through streams, naturally -- without underground pipes. While visiting the park, enjoy natural areas, sports fields and play facilities, and observe branches of the Rouge River as they emerge from the Oak Ridges Moraine. This park is the perfect place to take a walk, enjoy the river and the nature surrounding it.

EXPLORE LOCAL SAFELY

Everyone is encouraged to come and enjoy these places, but please, leave no traces -- stay on established trails, pick up after your pet and do not litter. Please also remember to continue practising physical distancing at all times to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

For a full listing of parks and trails in Richmond Hill, visit RichmondHill.ca/Parks.