Revitalization plans approved for Richmond Hill Town Park, first opened in 1885

Enhancements include new pathways, additional seating, pollinator meadow, pickleball court

Yorkregion.com
July 13, 2023
Melissa Wallace

Richmond Hill council has approved the master plan for Town Park, which will add recreational amenities and enhance green spaces in hopes of making it a multi-functional, all-season meeting spot for all.

Town Park, located between Church Street South and Pugsley Avenue, opened in 1885 and is the city’s first park. For many years, it was the main meeting spot for community sporting, civic and agricultural events.

Today, the park covers 5.3 hectares (13.1 acres) and includes William H. Graham Parkette, the area around the Elgin Barrow Arena Complex, a baseball diamond, three tennis courts, a small woodlot, parking lots and the vacant lands at the southwest corner of Centre Street East and Pugsley Avenue.

Developed in consultation with the community, the Town Park master plan will see the following enhancements over the coming years:

• Interpretive signs and attractive gateway to showcase the park’s history.
• A continuous walkway along Verne Dynes Way.
• A larger ball diamond.
• New pathways around the park.
• A pollinator meadow.
• Additional seating spaces including picnic pavilions.
• Revitalized playground.
• Updated and colour-coated tennis courts which will be multi-lined to allow for pickleball play.
• A new trail in the wooded area that will be enhanced with new trees as space permits.
• Artificial outdoor ice skating rink (subject to cost benefit analysis).
• Permeable paving and enhanced landscaping in the parking area.

“I cannot wait to see work begin on Richmond Hill’s very first park to modernize it and bring more people to it to appreciate its historic nature,” said Mayor David West. “Town Park has been well-used and loved for more than 100 years and this revitalization will provide unique amenities and open space where the community can gather with their family and friends while
staying active.”

Learn more at RichmondHill.ca/ParksProjects.