New Features for Lake Wilcox Park Youth Program Area
Council approved revisions to the Oak Ridges Community Centre and Park Master Plan by replacing the proposed ropes course with beach volleyball courts at the Youth Program Area at Lake Wilcox. Findings of the Parks & Recreation Plans (2012-2013) public consultation showed resident support for Town investment in a beach volleyball facility. The existing ropes challenge course at Eyer Homestead Park currently meets residents’ demands and an additional facility for this recreational sport would not be necessary. Council also endorsed these features of the Youth Program Area: two basketball courts, a skateboard plaza, fitness equipment specifically designed for youth, wi-fi service, a gazebo/shade structure as well as lighting after dark. When construction is complete, the Youth Program Area will provide a central place in Oak Ridges where youth and other age groups can meet and participate in a variety of activities. Construction is planned for 2017. For more information, contact Tracey Steele, Manager of Park and Natural Heritage Planning at 905-771-2417.

 Richmond Hill Supports Responsible Pet Ownership
Council received a report highlighting the activities of the responsible pet ownership program initiated in 2013. The report also outlined findings from a consultation exercise held in 2014 to better understand the community’s standards with respect to pets and pet-related businesses in Richmond Hill. Feedback from residents and business owners was consolidated into a list of potential future activities for the responsible pet ownership program. This included options to restrict pet stores in Richmond Hill to facilitate the adoption of pets rather than pet sales as a way to discourage poor care and breeding practices. To further continue the Town’s outreach program to the community, a full-time Animal Services Educator position will be considered as part of the 2015 Operating Budget. Council also directed that staff issue an open call to suppliers for a multi-year contract for the delivery of animal services on behalf of the Town, including patrol, enforcement, shelter and wildlife services as the current contract with the OSPCA ends in June 2015. Licensing is an important part of being a responsible pet owner and residents are reminded to purchase their dog licenses for 2015. For more information, visit RichmondHill.ca/Pets or contact Lise Conde, Project Manager, Strategic Initiatives at 905-747-6410.

Richmond Hill Invests in Indoor Soccer Facility
Richmond Hill’s Recreation Plan, endorsed by Council in 2013, recommended that the Town standard for an indoor turf facility should be a full-sized soccer field to accommodate the growing demands from local soccer groups. The indoor turf facility will include a permanent year-round field house (with washrooms, a mechanical room and staff office) of approximately 5,000 square feet in size and a seasonal sports field air support structure. Council approved $4.2 million for the construction of the air support structure which will cover an area of 93,600 square feet with a height of 75 feet at the highest point. As a seasonal structure, it is intended to be in operation from October to April and when not in use, will be stored in storage containers. It is expected that the facility will be in service for the 2015/2016 winter soccer season. For more information, contact Darlene Joslin, Director of Recreation & Culture at 905-771-2423.

Making a Great Permanent Impression
On behalf of Council and staff, Mayor Barrow accepted the Architectural Hardscape Award by the Ontario Concrete Industry for Richmond Hill’s innovative use of concrete materials through landscaping and art work in its Lake Wilcox Waterfront Promenade. Some of the many ways Richmond Hill used concrete in the design features in the park include human and animal footprints embedded along the path as well as inspirational poems and quotes about the nature and history of the site sandblasted into the concrete pavement. The Promenade also showcases artistic coloured concrete designs highlighting the themes of water, wildlife and cultural history of the lake area. It also features unique concrete pavement and seats that can be found along the walkway. As part of the Lake Wilcox Park Master Plan, the Lake Wilcox shoreline is currently undergoing a makeover. While the construction of the boardwalk is underway, the promenade is now open to visitors. Due to the scope of the project, work in the park is being done in phases. A splash pad, playground equipment, trails connecting Lake Wilcox Park to the Oak Ridges Community Centre, a washroom facility and a new parking lot are also under construction and expected to be completed this summer. Photos are available upon request. For more information, visit RichmondHill.ca/LakeWilcoxPark or contact Stephen Fick, Acting Commissioner of Environment & Infrastructure Services at 905-747-6474.