Richmond Hill's most popular park is getting a comprehensive makeover. The city presented its draft Richmond Green Revitalization Master Plan at the April 1 Committee of the Whole meeting, outlining a vision that would transform the park with new sports facilities, upgraded event infrastructure, enhanced green spaces, and improved connectivity throughout the grounds.
The plan, developed by Dylan Consulting in partnership with city staff, was presented by Michelle Dobby, the city's Manager of Park and Natural Heritage Planning. It represents the culmination of a planning process that began in the spring of 2024 with research, analysis, stakeholder interviews, and community surveys.
What the Plan Includes
The draft master plan envisions Richmond Green as the city's premier outdoor sporting and events park, with a renewed focus on horticultural sustainability and improved infrastructure across three distinct zones.
North Area: Sports and Recreation Hub
The northern section of the park is earmarked for year-round sporting opportunities, headlined by a new 12-court pickleball hub. The addition responds directly to the explosive growth in pickleball participation across the region. Richmond Hill Pickleball Club representatives were among the delegates at the April 1 meeting, with the club's secretary noting that Rouge Woods is currently the only city facility supporting indoor pickleball in a meaningful way and that demand far exceeds available access.
The north area will also include new volleyball courts, upgraded picnic pavilion, washroom improvements, and mini soccer field renovations. New pedestrian and vehicle connections are planned, along with a passive park area in the northeast corner that could incorporate a mini forest planting, an innovative horticultural technique that establishes dense, diverse tree cover more quickly than conventional planting.
Central Area: Connectivity and Active Recreation
A new centrally located skate park, outdoor fitness equipment, and an updated basketball court will anchor the central portion of the park. The plan also proposes improved accessibility, safety, and circulation throughout, including a new vehicular drop-off area near the soccer fields to reduce congestion at the main parking areas.
The circulation improvements are a key element of the plan. A new trail hierarchy will establish clear distinctions between multi-use paths for cyclists and pedestrians, and quieter trails devoted exclusively to walking. New gateway features, which could include public art installations, will mark key entry points and help visitors navigate the park.
South Area: Cultural and Event Space
The southern portion of the park is envisioned as the cultural and event hub. The plan calls for upgrades to the iconic waterfall to improve water supply and circulation, a new event space and stage designed to host performances and community gatherings, and an extension of the heritage walk trail that will create a new axial view from the trail down toward the stage and the storm pond beyond.
The existing internal gateway building would be renovated or replaced, with bocce facilities retained and a new washroom and park storage area added. A new operations storage building would also be constructed near the existing operations yard.
Implementation Timeline
The master plan outlines a phased implementation approach, with two priority phases recommended to begin in 2027, pending capital budget approval.
Phase 1 includes the 12-court pickleball hub, new volleyball courts, and upgrades to the picnic pavilion, washroom, and mini soccer field. Phase 2 includes renovating two senior baseball diamonds, new gateways and pathways, a passive area in the northeast corner with the potential mini forest planting, and completion of the mini soccer field renovation.
The remaining elements of the master plan, including the event stage, waterfall upgrades, skate park, and heritage walk extension, would be implemented in a third phase on a longer timeline. The city has not yet committed to specific dates for Phase 3, noting that it will depend on future capital budget decisions.
The final master plan is targeted for presentation to the Committee of the Whole in July 2026, after which Phase 1 and Phase 2 detailed design would begin.
Community Feedback
The draft plan is currently open for public comment. Residents who want to provide input can do so through the city's consultation channels before the plan returns to council in July. The planning process has included stakeholder interviews, community surveys, a self-guided walking tour, and the April 1 committee presentation.
During the committee meeting, community delegates expressed strong support for the plan while also advocating for specific priorities. Pickleball club representatives pushed for more than the proposed 12 courts, citing the sport's growth trajectory and the limited current facilities. Business community representatives welcomed the plan's potential to bring more visitors and economic activity to the area.
Richmond Green currently serves as the city's primary venue for large outdoor events and has been approaching capacity in recent years. Council members noted that the new Dave Barrow Civic Square, which is also moving forward, will complement Richmond Green by providing an alternative gathering space in the downtown core, helping to alleviate the pressure on Richmond Green as the city's only major event venue.
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