Parks, Trails and Natural Areas
Labour Disruption Notice: The City of Richmond Hill is currently experiencing a labour disruption. On November 22, CUPE 905 began strike action. While we continue working towards a negotiated agreement, some City services are affected. For details, please visit RichmondHill.ca/LabourDisruption.
The City of Richmond Hill is proposing to name a park located at 0 Bawden Drive, north of Elgin Mills Road East and Leslie Street. Learn more.
With 170 parks, 167 km of recreational trails and 689 hectares of natural areas there's something for everyone to discover and explore.
Discover accessible recreational trails with the free AccessNow app
You can now find seven of our longest recreational trails on the AccessNow app and website. Recreational Trail maps on the app include information on levels of accessibility, surface materials, general grade/slope conditions, access points, amenities (likes benches and washrooms) and parking, so you can plan ahead, navigate the recreational trail systems more easily and have a more enjoyable trail experience.
Recreational Trails on the AccessNow app |
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The free AccessNow app is available for download on the Apple app store and Google Play.
This project is a partnership between the City, the Richmond Hill Mobility Accessibility Foundation (RH Mobility) and AccessNow. It is funded by RH Mobility.
Parks and natural areas
Our parks and natural areas feature a variety of amenities including playgrounds, splash pads, basketball and tennis courts, athletic fields, a skate park, skate trail, picnic areas and more!
Learn about our:
- Park projects
- Off-leash dog areas
- Park opening celebrations
- 2023 Urban Forestry, Natural Environment & Horticulture Achievements
Trails
Our trails are great for walking, running and cycling. They are also a safe, environmentally-friendly way to get around City.
Trail etiquette for shared trails (pedestrians and cyclists) includes:
- Please note that during the winter trails may be slippery when snow and ice are present, so proceed with caution.
- All users (pedestrians & cyclists) keep to the right side of the trail, except when passing another user.
- Cyclists passing to the left of other trail users should slow down to pass, ensure the trail ahead is clear for passing and give a clear signal (voice, bell or horn) before passing. Cyclists should give the person they are passing time to respond and watch for reactions.
- Cyclists should control their speed being mindful that different types of trail users are present.
- Dog walkers keep leashes short to minimize tripping or impeding the movement of other trail users.
Facility Rentals
You can apply to use indoor and outdoor facilities in the community for special events. Complete the online form to book a facility. We will contact you within 5 business days about your request. Another way to book one of our community facilities is to complete one of the following applications:
- Outdoor Sports Field Rental Permit Application
- Outdoor Event, Wedding or Picnic Permit Application
Keep Our Parks Fun for Everyone!
We welcome you to visit City parks from 7 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily. You can help keep them safe and beautiful for everyone to enjoy:
- Put litter and household waste where it belongs – please don’t dump in our parks
- Be respectful of others by minimizing noise levels
- Keep pets on leash (unless in a designated off-leash area) and pick up after your pet (stoop and scoop even in natural areas)
- Get a required permit for groups of more than 25 people
- Follow the rules related to barbecues:
- No charcoal barbecues or barbecues on tables allowed
- Barbecues fueled by 1lb of propane may be used. Larger fuel cylinders cannot be used without a permit.
- Keep barbecues 10m away from all facilities and residences
- Barbecues are not permitted in Lake Wilcox Park
- Leave at home anything that may cause damage to our natural areas or create hazards/disruption for other park visitors, including:
- E-bikes, e-scooters and/or other motor vehicles
- Tents
- Remote-operated drones
- Fireworks, cannabis and/or any type of open-air burning
- Golf clubs (playing golf is not allowed in City parks)
Motorized Vehicles
Motorized vehicles are not permitted in Richmond Hill parks or on our trails. You will be fined for not obeying our by-law regulations. Protected wilderness areas must be kept safe. View the Parks Use By-law for more information.
Smoking
Smoking is not allowed within 20 m of all publicly owned playgrounds, splash pads, sports fields, tennis courts and basketball courts under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act.
Thank you for following these and other rules that protect our parkland and keep it safe and fun for all! For more information on the Parks Use By-law, please visit our By-laws page.