Participate in the Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory Park Survey and Public Information Centre

RICHMOND HILL – The City of Richmond Hill wants your feedback on the proposed designs for an accessible pedestrian/cycling overpass bridge and pickleball facility at the Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory (RHDDO) Park.

The proposed design of the all season overhead bridge will provide pedestrians and cyclists with safe access across the CN rail tracks to the RHDDO Park, from the west side of the railroad tracks and the public transportation routes on Yonge Street.

The proposed design of the pickleball facility will feature 16 pickleball courts, a clubhouse, seating area, multi-use path, access driveway and a parking lot that includes electric vehicle charging stations.

Ways to participate

• An online survey is available now until March 17, at RichmondHill.ca/RHDDOProjects
• A Virtual Public Information Centre will be held on Thursday, March 9, 6 – 8 p.m. where participants can view the proposed design concepts for the pedestrian/cycling bridge and pickleball facility. Register at RichmondHill.ca/RHDDOProjects

Quick facts

• The RHDDO property is a 76.5-hectare site located in central Richmond Hill between Bayview Avenue to the east, the CN rail line to the west, 16th Avenue to the south and Hillsview Drive to the north.
• The City of Richmond Hill owns the 40 hectares of parkland, the Observatory Dome facility with the original 1.88-metre telescope and the Administration Building.
• This site is an important part of Canadian history and Richmond Hill’s rich heritage. A number of significant studies have taken place at the Observatory, including the first direct evidence that Cygnus X-1 was a black hole.
• In 2019, the RHDDO was designated a Canadian historic site by the Federal government.