More discord at the DDO: park's pickleball plans prompt debate in Richmond Hill

Richmond Hill is moving forward with a master plan calling for "active sports" in the city's largest parkland

Yorkregion.com
March 15, 2023
Kim Zarzour

Maybe it is just a game, but the debate over pickleball expansion in Richmond Hill has turned serious.

The city's online information session Mar. 9, sharing details about plans to build a bridge and 16 outdoor courts in the David Dunlap Observatory's (DDO) panhandle, drew about 125 attendees, many voicing strongly opposing opinions.

Some participants spoke against the proposal, saying it’s not in keeping with the park’s observatory theme and focus on nature. The plan is being pushed by “a vocal few," they said.

Others praised the city for being forward-thinking, recognizing a growing sport and providing a healthy activity for all ages. It reaches an especially “forgotten” demographic, older females in search of recreation, they said.

For 90 minutes, city staff fielded questions and heard comments about what has become a surprisingly contentious issue.

The event ended with promises the city would take all views into consideration.

Here are a few of the key take-aways from Thursday’s meeting:

ALL-SEASON USE

The planned ramp and bridge over CN rail tracks are intended for pedestrians and cyclists year-round.

Bridge winter maintenance will include snow-clearing and consideration of a heated surface.

BRIDGE VS. TUNNEL

A bridge was chosen over a tunnel because experience has shown tunnels can be fraught with problems related to drainage after rainfall.

It’s also the preferred option for CN Rail.

SAFETY

Staff will consider safety concerns and ways to mitigate speed for pedestrians sharing the ramp with skateboards, scooters and bikes.

Speed bumps present difficulties for snowplows, but other options will be evaluated, including signage.

As with all city parks, bylaws will restrict access after hours, enforced by bylaw officers and police.

WHY PICKLEBALL, WHY HERE?

The decision was prompted by a council motion recognizing the increasing popularity of this fast-growing sport. Staff were asked to explore ways to increase access to pickleball courts for residents.

The DDO master plan, created after extensive consultation with the public and stakeholders, calls for sports facilities on this part of the parkland.

After analyzing several possible locations, it was determined the panhandle was the only viable site for this facility in the near term.

ACCESS TO COURTS

The pickleball facility will be city-run, with times allotted for residents' free use and other times when the city delivers fee-based programs such as lessons, tournaments and leagues.

There will also be potential for people to rent the field house and courts.

The city's parks and recreation department will establish rules regarding usage time and priority for residents.

ALIGNING WITH DDO’S VISION

The panhandle lands extend beyond the southern boundary of DDO's cultural heritage zone and the master plan calls for active sports use there. The balance of the site will be dedicated to the DDO's vision of naturalization and astronomy.

Lighting will comply with "dark sky" policies.

The city will maximize the greening of the facility as much as possible and improve naturalization in the peripheral areas, in addition to continuing efforts north of the panhandle through the restoration of woodlots, meadowland and wildlife corridor.

Three-phased tree plantings are planned and 8,000 trees have already been planted.

NOISE CONCERNS

Existing vegetation along the border will be maintained as a buffer. As well, the city will investigate noise-reducing fencing.

Courts will be set back 50 meters from residential properties.

The average decibel level for pickleball is 70-80 decibels. That decreases to 40-50 decibels at 50 meters distance -- the equivalent of a suburban area at night or a house refrigerator.

SURVEY RESULTS

Some participants raised concerns that the online survey was “compromised” because not all respondents live in Richmond Hill.

Survey participants were required to provide addresses and staff will evaluate this element when analyzing results.