Parks, Recreation and Culture Plans

Parks Plan Approved 

On June 22, 2022, City of Richmond Hill Council endorsed the City's plan to guide parkland needs and acquisition, inform outdoor recreation facility planning, and enhance its parks for all to enjoy. 

Richmond Hill currently boasts 167 parks, 162 km of trails and 689 hectares of natural areas for residents and visitors to explore and discover, featuring many unique and award-winning amenities. 

• View the 2022 Parks Plan

Recreation Plan and Culture Plan Review

Recreation and cultural opportunities are vital to Richmond Hill’s quality of life and identity. The 2013 Recreation Plan along with the 2011 Cultural Plan are presently the guiding documents that provide high-level direction to the City. A review of the Recreation Plan and Cultural Plan will enable Richmond Hill to continue to provide an active and healthy, environmentally sustainable, and culturally vibrant system.

The City is initiating a coordinated review of these two Plans to guide recreation and culture needs to 2031. Thank you to everyone who took the time to fill out the online survey (June 18 - July 9, 2021). The survey input was used to inform the Key Findings and Directions Report. 

Key Findings and Directions Report

The Key Findings and Directions Report for the Parks Plan, Recreation Plan and Culture Plan was endorsed by Council in March 2022. 

The Key Directions Report: 

• Outlines key themes and findings based on the background research and community consultation that serve as a point of departure for updating the Parks Plan and developing a new combined Recreation and Culture Plan;
• Directly responds to and aligns with all four of Council's Strategic Priority areas; and 
• Supports the City's commitment to address climate change.

Read the Key Findings and Directions Report:

• SRPI.22.021 - Parks Plan and Recreation and Culture Plan Review - Key Findings and Directions (item 13.9 at March 9, 2022 Council Meeting)
  • SRPI.22.021 - Appendix A - Key Directions Report
  • SRPI.22.021 - Appendix B - Background and Preliminary Needs Assessment Report

Parks Plan

Richmond Hill's Parks Plan and Parkland Dedication By-law guides the development of new and revitalized parks and outdoor recreation facilities to 2031.

Recreation Plan

The Recreation and Culture Division depends on the Recreation Plan to guide future direction of recreation facilities, programs and services. The Recreation Plan is developed with input from the community and recommends actions to address current and future needs of those who live, work and play in Richmond Hill. 

Cultural Plan

The Richmond Hill Cultural Plan guides cultural development, ensuring that culture is a part of all facets of the City’s planning and decision making; where diversity, gender and age are reflected in all aspects of cultural expression and where an authentic and distinctive identity inspires a creative spirit.  The Cultural Plan was developed following an extensive consultation process and reflects the needs, aspirations and vision of the community.