Council Approves Master Plan for Sustainable Park with New Amenities and Connections   

Richmond Hill – Richmond Hill Council has approved the Mill Pond Park Revitalization Master Plan which will create new amenities, trails and improved facilities for residents.

Developed in consultation with the community, the multi-year Master Plan will see a number of enhancements including: 

• Restoration of the natural woodland and wetland in the centre of the park, including management of invasive species, protecting it for future generations
• A boardwalk through the natural area which will allow better connectivity across the wetlands
• A new pedestrian bridge across the north end of Mill Pond to connect the trail from the Mill Street entry area to the Upper Mill Pond area, creating a connected loop within the park
• A “spine trail” that will connect the entire 19 hectare park, from the southeast corner to the northwest corner, with seating areas at points of interest
• A new meadow area at the north end of the park, connecting Mill Pond Park to Stavert Park
• A new park centre building with improved washroom facilities, gallery space, storage space and a potential cafe space to better support the events in the park
• New amenities including pickleball courts, an outdoor ice skating rink and outdoor fitness equipment
• Enhanced tennis courts, playground and gazebo
• Additional parking near Stavert Park  

The Mill Pond Park Revitalization Master Plan will improve connectivity throughout the park for residents, while balancing its ecological and recreational use. More information about the Mill Pond Park Revitalization Master Plan can be found at RichmondHill.ca/MillPondProject.

QUOTE

“Mill Pond Park is an important part of our city’s heritage. It’s beloved by so many and I look forward to it being modernized with new amenities for current and future generations to enjoy. The Mill Pond Park Revitalization Master Plan is the right mix of protecting the environment with natural area enhancements and invasive species management, combined with providing amenities and expanding the park by connecting it to Stavert Park in the north to serve the growing community. The community will be able to connect with nature throughout the park.” – Mayor David West

QUICK FACTS

• The redesign and construction of the new park is expected to take place over the next seven years, dependent on capital funding.
• Mill Pond Park is one of Richmond Hill’s five existing destination parks, welcoming visitors from across the city and beyond. Other existing destination parks are Lake Wilcox Park, Richmond Green Park, David Dunlap Observatory Park and Phyllis Rawlinson Park.
• Mill Pond Park’s rich history dates back to the mid-1800s when it was a sawmill operation, and later converted to a reservoir to supply drinking water to the local population.
• The iconic park is host to a number of outdoor concerts and events throughout the year including Richmond Hill’s Winter Carnival.  
• More information about the City’s  green space and recreational amenities can be found in  Richmond Hill’s updated Parks Plan.