Ontario Construction News staff writer
The ongoing transformation of North Maple Regional Park (NMRP) in Vaughan spans 900 acres, a monumental construction project that is reshaping recreational spaces and development in the city.
Initiated in 2018, NMRP’s construction has reached a pivotal Phase 2, termed “enabling works,” currently nearing the 70 per cent completion mark.
Highlights include the establishment of two FIFA-certified artificial turf soccer fields, a park pavilion with associated amenities, and a parking area with spaces for 200 vehicles. Also, underway is the restoration of the pond and wetland expansion, a substantial environmental aspect managed by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.
Work is about 50 per cent complete, and includes site grading, servicing and environmental restoration work on 130 acres of land. This construction will be fully completed by the end of 2024.
Grading and servicing of the first cricket field and event area is complete, which includes lighting and irrigation. Permitting for use of the field will commence in 2025. Restoration of the pond and wetland expansion are currently underway by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, with final planting and other finishing works nearing completion. An accessible multi-use path and additional nature trails will also be constructed.
The city is also extending the existing park driveway (Vaughan CARES Way) at the main entrance to NMRP to include a second park entrance with access to Keele Street and adding a new traffic signal at the park’s north entrance.
Looking ahead, the city will create the Family Recreation Area within NMRP. This specialized zone aligns with opportunities for constructing playgrounds, water play areas, a youth zone, and a skating trail. The concept design is set to be finalized in 2024, paving the way for construction commencement in 2025, with public use anticipated by 2026.
In 2018, 80 hectares (197 acres) of parkland opened to the public with the following facilities:
- two FIFA-certified artificial turf soccer fields with built-in spectator seating
- a park pavilion, including a terrace, washrooms, changerooms and drinking fountains
- picnic areas with shade shelters and seating
- a toboggan hill (currently closed due to ongoing construction)
- an asphalt parking area with spaces for 200 vehicles
- a variety of walking and hiking trails
- free Wi-Fi that is available at the park pavilion and soccer fields
The existing construction activities at the park align with Phase 2 of park development, known as the enabling works. Work is almost 70 per cent complete, and includes site grading, servicing and environmental restoration on 52 hectares (130 acres) of land to prepare the site for future recreational facilities and amenities. Here are some highlights to get excited about:
- Grading and servicing of the City’s first cricket field and event area is complete, which includes lighting and irrigation. These areas are anticipated to be open for play in 2025.
- Restoration of the pond and wetland expansion is currently underway by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, with final planting and other finishing works nearing completion.
- An accessible multi-use path and additional trails will also be constructed.
- The existing park driveway (Vaughan CARES Way) will be expanded to include a second park entrance with access to Keele Street. A new traffic signal at the park’s north entrance will also be installed.
Phase 2 construction will be fully completed by the end of 2024.
Visit vaughan.ca/NMRP to stay up to date on all things NMRP.