Parks Showcase
Learn more about our most popular parks, the jewels of our park system and some remarkable and unique hidden gems.
Great places to see fall colours in Richmond Hill
| David Dunlap Observatory Park |
 The iconic David Dunlap Observatory Park is one of Canada’s National Historic sites and home to 3.7 km of accessible recreational trails that connect visitors with acres of natural parkland. You’ll pass by a variety of tree and plant species, which paint the park in a vibrant array colours. Keep an eye out for White-tailed deer and other local wildlife. Free parking is available.
Location: 123 Hillsview Drive (view on a map) |
| East Humber Trail |
 From wooden boardwalks with decorative bridges that wind their way through wetland areas to crushed limestone trails that travel through mature woodlands, you’ll find a wide variety of fall vibes at East Humber Trail. Entrances are located on Parker Avenue, Vitlor Drive and Verdi Road. On-street parking is limited, please obey posted signage. Cycling is not recommended.
Location: North of King Road between Parker Avenue and Verdi Road (view on a map) |
| Elgin Mills Greenway |
 Start your trek in the newly restored valleyland behind Elgin West Community Centre and follow the trail across zigzagging boardwalks, past stormwater ponds and into a heavily forested area that turns orange and gold in the fall. Parking is available at the community centre.
Location: Bathurst Street and Shaftsbury Avenue behind Elgin West Community Centre (view on a map) |
| Lake Wilcox Park |
 Autumn is the perfect time to take the self-guided tree tour at Lake Wilcox Park or go for a casual stroll along the trails, waterfront promenade and boardwalk. The tree tour highlights 20 native tree species of Ontario and provides an opportunity to learn the unique characteristics of trees and why they are so important. You’ll get to enjoy all the vivid colours that come with the changing season, combined with the backdrop of the largest kettle lake on the Oak Ridges Moraine. Free parking is available (Oct 1-March 30).
Location: Bayview Avenue between Bayview Park Lane and North Lake Road (view on a map) |
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Morgan Boyle Park |
 Morgan Boyle Park pays homage to Canada’s 150th birthday. The park’s eye-catching, stainless-steel canopy, decorated with maple leaves, includes 13 waves to symbolize Canada’s 10 provinces and three territories. The park is also lined with native maple trees that turn a vibrant red and orange in the fall. Red elements in the play equipment and the red clad mechanical building also reinforce the theme. Free parking is available.
Location: 5B Pearson Avenue (view on a map) |
| Newberry Park |
 Wander the paved trail through this wetland area, which is surrounded by colourful mature trees. You’ll pass by ponds and may see a heron or two. The boundary of the Oak Ridges Moraine also runs through this park and is marked with raptor posts. Parking is available.
Location: 227 Bernard Avenue (view on a map) |
| Phyllis Rawlinson Park |
 Richmond Hill’s largest Oak Ridges Moraine park is tucked away just off of Leslie Street north of 19th Avenue. It has been maintained as a natural setting and includes woodland trails, boardwalks through “The Ponds” and an off leash dog area to name just a few features. Parking is also available.
Location: 11715 Leslie Street (view on a map) |
| Richmond Green Park |
 Richmond Green Park is home to a wide range of amenities, walkways, beautiful gardens, lots of places to relax and unlimited photo opps. This fall, be sure to take a stroll through the Heritage Walk, which is lined with maple trees that turn a bright, fiery red. Visit the wedding garden, waterfall and bridge areas to soak up the multitude of yellows, oranges and golds. Free parking is available.
Location: 1300 Elgin Mills Road East (view on a map) |
| Rocking Horse Ranch |
 There’s lots to see and do at this horseback riding themed park inspired by a farm formerly located on the site. Visitors can chill in the stable-like shade structure, enjoy the playground, a tennis match or shoot some hoops in front of a colourful tree-lined backdrop that won’t disappoint. Take notice of all the details in the barn board entrance signage, farm fence and horseshoe-shaped benches. It’s a great place to let your creativity run wild! On-street parking is available. Please obey posted signage.
Location: 200 Hunting Ridges Drive (view on a map) |
| Russell Farm Park |
 This neighbourhood park has a wide variety of mature trees that turn a beautiful bright red, orange and yellow in the fall. It’s a great spot to sit and relax with a good book or just enjoy the outdoors. Parking is available.
Location: 290 Bantry Avenue (view on a map) |
| South Richvale Greenway |
 Explore wooded trails as they snake along a beautiful section of the Upper East Don River. You’ll see a wide variety of fall foliage along this trail. Parking is available at Richvale Community Centre.
Location: Weldrick Road east of Bathurst Street to south of Carville Road (view on a map) |
| Twickenham Park |
 This small park is surrounded by beautiful maple trees, which turn a deep red in the fall. The best time to visit is early in the day when the trees are lit by the morning sun. You can also follow the path into a golden forest and eventually connect with the Elgin Greenway trail. It’s a great place to go for a walk, bike ride or sit and enjoy your morning coffee. On-street parking is available. Please obey posted signage.
Location: 68 Canyon Hill Avenue (view on a map) |
Destination parks
| David Dunlap Observatory Park |
 The Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory (RHDDO) is one of Canada's National Historic Sites, and the place to visit to explore the night sky, discover the cosmos and learn about the history of this unique site! We offer a variety of fun and educational experiences, including family programs, heritage tours, and lectures where participants can visit the Observatory and see Canada's largest telescope in person. You can also take free self-guided tours at designated times.
The surrounding park is also home to 3.7 km of recreational trails. The trail surfacing is crushed granular or asphalt and is accessible for all users. The main trails are designed for universal accessibility and heavy use, whereas the surrounding supporting trails and nature trails provide for more challenging routes. Keep an eye out for White-tailed deer and other local wildlife while exploring the park. Location: 123 Hillsview Drive (view on a map) |
| Lake Wilcox Park |
 Lake Wilcox Park is a popular waterfront park with numerous amenities for everyone to enjoy, including:
Visit the Lake Wilcox Park page for more information, include pay parking and permits. Location: Bayview Avenue between Bayview Park Lane and North Lake Road |
| Mill Pond Park |
 Mill Pond Park is one of our most popular outdoor recreation and entertainment areas.
Amenities
Location: Mill Street and Trench Street (view on a map) Visit the Mill Pond Park page to learn more. |
| Phyllis Rawlinson Park |
 Phyllis Rawlinson Park is Richmond Hill's largest Oak Ridges Moraine park. The land was donated to the City by Phyllis Rawlinson, a long-time resident.
Phyllis Rawlinson Park is the perfect place for outdoor events of all sorts, from large family reunions to romantic picnics for two. Significant historic structures on-site, such as the original farmhouse and barn (York Region's oldest designated buildings), help make this park the special place it is. Amenities
Location: 11,715 Leslie Street just north of 19th Avenue (view on a map) Visit the Phyllis Rawlinson Park page to learn more. |
| Richmond Green Sports Centre and Park |
 Richmond Green Sports Centre and Park is the largest park in Richmond Hill. It is home to a wide range of amenities, as well as walkways, beautiful gardens and many places to sit and relax.
Amenities
Location: 1300 Elgin Mills Road East (view on a map) Visit the Richmond Green Park page to learn more. |
Unique and themed community parks
| Bradstock Park |
 Inspired by the wonderful, dynamic patterns created by kaleidoscopes, Bradstock Park is a unique and wonder-filled play experience for everyone. Walk or run through the life-size kaleidoscope tunnel. The reflections generated by its mirrored surfaces create a delightful interplay of light, shape, colour and a cool photo opp! Discover the teleidoscope viewing apparatus, climb, swing and slide on the playground structures and explore the geometrical concrete paving patterns throughout the park.
Location: 194A Driscoll Road (view on a map) |
| Crosby Park |
 Crosby Park was designed with accessibility and inclusivity in mind, so that everyone can enjoy the simple pleasures of outdoor recreation without boundaries.
Amenities include, but are not limited to:
Visit the Crosby Park page for details. Location: 161 Newkirk Road behind Centennial Pool (view on a map) |
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David Hamilton Park |
 David Hamilton Park has something for everyone. The newly renovated park, inspired by the four seasons, includes two playgrounds, a splash pad, a walking loop and pathway with themed light installations, a multi-use court, sports fields and outdoor fitness equipment. Children can enjoy the beach-themed playground, and test their balance and bravery limits on the log climbing structure or cool off in the summer-themed splash pad. Be sure to keep an eye out for the poetry and other features that pay tribute to all four seasons.
Location: 311 Valleymede Drive (view on a map) |
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Jefferson Salamander Park |
 Located alongside the Oak Ridges Corridor Conservation Reserve, Jefferson Salamander Park pays tribute to the life cycle of the endangered Jefferson salamander(Ambystoma jeffersonianum). Follow the salamander’s life cycle by starting in the ‘Vernal Pool’ playground. After that, take a stroll along the walkway to find the aquatic larva and a giant mature salamander depicted in the concrete paving. End your walk at the ‘Forest’ playground, which features beautiful natural log play structures. How many representations of salamanders can you find?
Note: parking for Jefferson Salamander Park is available in Lake Wilcox Park (pay parking lot). Richmond Hill residents can download free parking permits for Lake Wilcox Park through our parking portal at parking.richmondhill.ca (one per household). Location: Bayview Avenue and Anchusa Drive |
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Mary Dawson Park |
 A tribute to Mary Dawson, well known for her dedication to the community and involvement as a writer for the Richmond Hill Liberal for 30 years, this 5.75 acre park features themed elements that honour her love for reporting and the newspaper industry. The park’s sign simulates the linotype method used for printing. The industrial feel of a printing press is mimicked through the extensive use of concrete and the galvanized steel of the shade structure while the cool gray tone of concrete resembles the colour of newsprint. You will even find a concrete runnel that conveys rainwater that was inspired by a printing press conveyor belt.
Amenities
Location: 94 Don Head Village Boulevard (view on a map) |
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Morgan Boyle Park |
 Morgan Boyle Park was redesigned as a tribute to Canada’s 150th birthday in 2017. The park’s eye-catching stainless steel canopy, decorated with maple leaves, includes 13 waves to symbolize Canada’s 10 provinces and three territories. As you cool off at the splash pad, notice the provincial symbols carved into lens rings that move with the wind. Red elements in the play equipment and the red clad mechanical building reinforce the theme and a decorative metal installation displays Canada’s birthdate.
Amenities
Location: 5B Pearson Avenue (view on a map) |
| Palmer Park |
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Amenities
Location: 230 Palmer Avenue (view on a map) |
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Rouge Crest Park |
 Kids will find different ways to explore while playing on the Wallholla at Rouge Crest Park – a first of its kind play structure in Canada that consists of a steel maze with endless twists and turns. This engaging park also features two rubberized play surfaces made from recycled tires, which cater to a range of mobility needs. Look for the beautiful nature-inspired patterns incorporated throughout the park – including a seashell-inspired hill feature, walkways that imitate birch tree trunks, islands and streams in the water play surface and benches shaped like waves and stars.
Amenities
Location: 147 Rothbury Road (view on a map) |
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Russell Tilt Park |
 There are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors at Russell Tilt Park. Just a short walk from Oak Ridges Library, visitors can take stroll on the 1.1 km walking trail, play a game of tennis, relax underneath the shade structure while children play in the playground or cool off in the splash pad.
Located on what used to be the Hughey family farm, you can spot a windmill similar to the old windmill that used to power a well on the farm, until the land was purchased by the City. Parts from the original windmill were salvaged from the farm, refurbished and incorporated into the park design as a reminder of the land’s historic use. Amenities
Location: 79 Blackforest Drive (view on a map) |
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Snakes and Ladders Park |
 Snakes and Ladders Park is no ordinary park. Spanning close to one acre, this award-winning park features a life-sized Snakes and Ladders board game! Spin the jumbo dice to move around the board, slide down the snakes and climb up the ladders. The first person who lands on square 100 wins!
The park also has a picnic table with a built-in game board and the playground features swings, a slither slide and a serpentine seesaw. Location: 51A Mancini Crescent (view on a map) |
All aboard the nostalgia express! Palmer Park draws design inspiration from Richmond Hill’s rich history of stagecoach and train travel. It reflects the journey from the first stagecoach operations along Yonge Street in 1828 to the electric trains of 1896. The park features themed playground areas, including a replica stagecoach and train, decorative paving with wagon wheel motif, and impressions of horseshoe prints and train tracks. The central shade structure is an ode to the iconic Palmer House, a hotel once run by the Palmer family that catered to both stagecoach and train travelers. View a full list of parks in Richmond Hill.
View our Parks and Trails Guide.