*Update December 11, 2020: Please note that due to provincial lockdown measures that take effect on Monday, December 14, some of these activities have been cancelled. Visit RichmondHill.ca/WinterFun for 8 Fun Things to do in Richmond Hill this winter. 

RICHMOND HILL – Throughout the pandemic, the City of Richmond Hill has provided residents with safe and accessible recreational opportunities. To help keep residents active this winter, the City is offering a wide variety of virtual and in-person recreation and culture programs, as well as expanded parks and trails offerings.

1. Keep the kids entertained over the holidays

At our Winter Break Adventure Program (December 21-23, 29 and 30) children can enjoy a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, such as arts and crafts, exploring nature and gym activities at Oak Ridges Community Centre. Pre-registration is required.

2. Skate in the great outdoors

Richmond Green Skate Trail is expected to open on Saturday, December 19, if the weather and COVID-19 restrictions permit. Hours of operation will be modified and capacity limited. Skate times will be limited to 45-minutes and residents will be required to pre-register 24-hours in advance using their ActiveRH account.

Mill Pond is expected to open for skating in the new year (weather permitting). Signage is posted at the south end of the pond to let people know when the ice is safe.

The City will also open outdoor skating rinks at Rouge Crest Park, Crosby Park and Town Park in the new year (weather permitting).

Visit and subscribe to RichmondHill.ca/OutdoorSkating for updates and to be notified when skate trail registration opens.

3. Go walking in our winter wonderland

When it snows, the City’s 147 open parks and 19 km (4 km added this year) of maintained (plowed and salted) trails are beautiful for a walk or hike. Residents are encouraged to stay local and explore some of the many features with members of their own household. You can also take your four-legged friend with you to enjoy our two off-leash dog areas.

4. Join us on a family adventure

Our Outdoor Adventure Series programs for children and families include archery, fire and shelter  building, family bonfires, snowshoeing, night hikes and more. Pre-registration is required.

5. Keep your mind and body active with us in-person or at home

We’ve got in-person programs for all ages including art, dance, guitar, badminton, tennis and more at Oak Ridges and Langstaff Community Centres, as well as Blackmore Tennis Club. We’re also offering virtual programsfor all ages including fitness, arts, theatre, astronomy and more. 

6. Try cross-country skiing or snowshoeing

Strap on your skis or snowshoes and explore Richmond Hill’s natural winter beauty as you glide or trek throughour numerous stunning trails.

7. Tune in to A Celtic Family Christmas brought to you by the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts

This Christmas season, Natalie McMaster and Donnell Leahy are inviting the world into their home, virtually, to witness their music, life and preparation at Christmas time. This pay per view event will be mostly music, but will also include candid moments around the kitchen, decorating the tree and other bits of Christmas chaos! Tune in on December 17 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online.

8. Serve up some winter tennis

New this year! The City will be putting nets up at six outdoor tennis courts for use when weather conditions are favourable. Locations include Brickworks Park, Russell Farm Park, French Royalist Park, Town Park, Bayview Hill Park and Tannery Park. (Note: to protect the playing surface from damage, courts will not be salted or plowed when it snows.)

We’ve also got indoor tennis opportunities at Blackmore Tennis Club. Visit RichmondHill.ca/Tennis for details.

9. Go for a swim

Oak Ridges Pool and Centennial Pool are open for lane and leisure swims, as well as exercise, widths swims. Capacity is limited and pre-registration is required.

10. Shop local

Support our small businesses and restaurants by shopping local this holiday season. Visit RichmondHill.ca/ShopLocal to access gift guides and special holiday offers from the Richmond Hill Board of Trade and Village of Richmond Hill BIA.

11. Ring in the New Year online

Join us December 31 from 8 to 9 p.m. for a virtual celebration to say goodbye to 2020 and welcome a brighter year ahead. We are excited to bring you an online experience with entertainment from JUNO Award Winners Splash’N Boots, family-friendly activities and a virtual fireworks display! Visit RichmondHill.ca/FirstNight for more details.

Program registration

• Registration for winter recreation programs begins on Wednesday, December 9 at 7 a.m. for residents and Wednesday, December 16 for non-residents.
• Registration for aquatic programs begins on Wednesday, January 6 at 7 a.m. for residents and Monday, January 11 for non-residents.

For more information and to register for programs, visit RichmondHill.ca/RecGuide.

Residents are encouraged to share their ‘Gram-worthy’ winter wonderland fun with us on Instagram by tagging @myRichmondHill for the chance to be featured.

For a full listing of outdoor activities, including park and trail locations, visit RichmondHill.ca/WinterFun.

Help keep our community safe

Residents are reminded to help stop the spread of COVID-19 by doing the following:

• Stay home if you’re sick, even with mild symptoms
• Avoid social gatherings and close contact with anyone other than members of your household
• Maintain physical distancing of at least two metres from others
• Wear a mask or face covering indoors, as well as outdoors if you cannot physical distance
• Wash your hands thoroughly and often

COVID-19 health and safety measures are in place at all City facilities. Note that recreation programs and outdoor skating are subject to change due to provincial COVID-19 restrictions.

Updates and information on the City’s response to COVID-19, including a complete list of what’s open and closed, is available online at RichmondHill.ca/COVID-19.

MEDIA CONTACT
Ash O’Malley, Communications Advisor
ash.omalley@richmondhill.ca