Parks, Recreation and Culture Plans

Parks Plan – Better Choice for People at Play

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.

The City’s Parks Plan and OLT approved Parkland Dedication By-law guides the development of new and revitalized parks and outdoor recreation facilities to 2031.

Recreation and Culture Plan

On December 7, 2022, Richmond Hill Council endorsed a combined Recreation and Culture Plan to guide the delivery of recreation and culture facilities and services to the year 2032.

The plan focuses on indoor recreation facilities, recreation and culture programs and services, and cultural opportunities.

The document includes information about Richmond Hill’s Planning Context, a Plan for Recreation, a Plan for Culture, Implementation Strategy, as well as Overarching Recommendations.

View the Recreation and Culture Plan.

Accomplishments So Far

Richmond Hill’s Recreation & Culture Plan (2023–2033) is our community’s roadmap for ensuring accessible, inclusive, and inspiring opportunities for recreation and culture. Since its approval, we’ve made significant progress. Here are some of the highlights:

Our Progress

Here are some of the highlights:

Expanding Sports & Recreation Facilities

Completed a usage and capital impact study on indoor turf needs.
Winter dome at Richmond Green Sports Centre consistently 87% booked (exceeding targets).
Next Goal: exploring agreements with school boards and assessing the need for a second dome.

Growing Tennis & Pickleball Opportunities

Added 10 outdoor pop-up pickleball courts at Richmond Green Park (2023), plus 2 more in 2025.
Refreshed 5 tennis courts, added 1 new tennis court, and built 4 new pickleball courts at Bayview Hill Park.
Next Goal: Complete updated Tennis and Pickleball Strategy in 2026.

Tracking Performance & Improving Services

Introduced performance measures across Recreation and Culture programs (program fill rates, cancellations, facility use).

Built 3 new dashboards (facility utilization, registration & waitlists, heat maps).

Next Goal: Expand dashboard access across staff teams.

Supporting Seniors (55+)

Launched Seniors’ Coffee Chat program with a provincial grant; held bi-weekly at Oak Ridges Community Centre and McConaghy Centre.
Celebrated Seniors’ Month with special events (annual BBQ at Mill Pond Park, concerts, ice cream socials).
Next Goal: Recruit for the Age-Friendly Community Council (2025–26 term).

Expanding Cultural Spaces

Converted the Old Post Office (10184 Yonge St.) into a dedicated Cultural Centre.
Secured creative spaces for arts and culture programming in multiple downtown condo buildings (Bayview, Beverly Hills, Xpression).
Next Goal: Explore opportunities for more exhibitions, workshops, and cultural activations.

Investing in Community and Cultural Grants

Distributed $64,563 to 21 successful applicants in 2024.
Increased budget to $100,000 in 2025 to support both one-time projects and annual programs.
Demand is growing: 57 applications received in 2025, requesting a total of $245,771.
Next Goal: Publish annual grant program report at the end of 2025.

What's Next

More cultural programming and activation of community spaces.

Continued investment in seniors, youth, and recreation growth.

Regular updates on progress toward the 2033 vision.

City of Richmond Hill