Ontario Construction News staff writer
Richmond Hill council has approved a 10-year plan for parkland needs and acquisition and development.
The plan provides a framework to grow and enhance the city’s park system through 2031 to support an active, healthy and environmentally sustainable community, aiming to:
- add new parks in new growth areas
- use parks to increase connectivity between neighbourhoods
- respond to community demands and trends by adding new amenities such as pickleball courts, outdoor fitness equipment, outdoor skating and off-leash dog areas
- update and redesign destination and community parks
- apply a climate change lens to the development and redevelopment of parks, including by planting more native species, enhancing tree canopies and establishing pollinator and rain gardens
Richmond Hill currently has 167 parks, 162 km. of trails and 689 ha. of natural areas.
“I am proud our council has endorsed this 10-year plan to elevate Richmond Hill’s already incredible park system, strengthen our commitment to providing outdoor recreational opportunities for all, and meet the changing needs of our community,” said Mayor David West.