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DDO Master Plan Rendering

RHDDO Master Plan

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Home/...AttractionsRichmond Hill David Dunlap ObservatoryRHDDO Master Plan

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The Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory Park Master Plan was approved by Council in 2016 and is an important guide that sets out a comprehensive, phased plan for the creation of Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory (RHDDO) Park. This unique destination park will serve the residents of Richmond Hill and attract visitors from across the GTA.

Master Plan Vision Statement

The Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory Park will be one of the preeminent public parks in the Greater Toronto Area, where visitors come to see Canada’s historic observatory, celebrate the stars and enjoy acres of natural parkland. It will be a treasured place that embodies discovery, education, sustainability and inclusion and, in so doing, forms part of the identity of Richmond Hill.

Implementation and Phasing

Early Priority Projects (2021 - 2028)

Early Priority Projects are focused on gradually establishing RHDDO Park as a passive park that visitors can enjoy all year-round. These projects include improvements to basic infrastructure, providing key driveways and access, building pedestrian pathways and creating points of attraction.   

Restoration of Heritage Properties

DDO Observatory and Administration Building Restoration

The Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory Facility Restoration and Revitalization Project was completed in the spring of 2021 to preserve the Observatory Dome and Administration Building's heritage features.

This work included restoration of wood windows and doors, repairs and conservation of metal surfaces, replacement of metal roofing and flashing, and masonry and concrete repairs and restoration. 

Additional efforts were made to preserve the structures for the future, such as the installation of new foundation waterproofing and drainage systems, upgrades to existing municipal services, and upgrades to electrical systems.

Woodlot Restoration

DDO Woodlot Restoration Tree Plantings

Woodlot restoration work continues in association with the TRCA. Work includes the removal of invasive species, removal of dead and hazardous trees, and planting of native trees and shrubs to improve forest health and provide habitat for local wildlife.

Refer to RHDDO Ongoing Projects for additional information.

Trail System 
DDO Interim Trail Map

The trail system is hierarchical, with the main trails designed for universal accessibility and heavy use. Multi-use supporting trails and nature trails will provide more challenging routes with an appropriate environmental foot print.

In 2021 the City built 2.5 km of trails system for visitors to enjoy during all seasons. The trail system was expanded in 2023 with the construction of an additional 1.2 km of trails. 

The trails provide connectivity to surrounding neighbourhoods and greater use of the park for residents in the early stage of the implementation of the master plan. The trail surfacing is crushed granular or asphalt and are accessible for all users. 

Park Entrances and Wayfinding Signage

DDO Park Entrances Shown on Circulation MapPark entrances will feature design elements that convey the park identity and clearly define entry points with signage.

The park signage will provide wayfinding information, support learning, and contribute to a sense of place

Observatory Lane Pedestrian Rail Overpass

Concept Image of Rail OverpassThe Observatory Lane Pedestrian Rail Overpass at the CN Rail Bala Line will provide access to RHDDO from the west, creating a connection to Yonge Street and highlighting the Elms Lea farm laneway as an important heritage feature. 

Star Path Illuminating Pathway

Concept Image of Path with Self-illuminating AggregateThe ‘Star Path’ is a pedestrian connection from the Observatory / future Central Fountain Plaza south towards the Panhandle Lands at the south end of the site. The path uses embedded self-illuminating aggregate along the multi-use trail

Playground and Water Feature Element 

Concept Image of Natural Playground made of WoodA playground and water feature play element will be constructed on the east side of the site, in close proximity to the new residential development and for all park visitors to enjoy.

The playground is proposed to be a natural wooden playground.

Washroom Facility 

Concept Image of DDO Park Washroom Facility

An accessible washroom facility is planned near the picnic area, playground and water feature element.
The washroom’s contemporary design will reflect the character of other built form elements in the park while paying homage to the existing heritage features on site. 
Great Lawn 

Concept Image of People Passively Using and an Open Lawn Area

The great lawn is an open space for outdoor gatherings and provides area for passive recreation, such as star gazing, movie nights, art in the park and more.

Re-design of 16th Avenue Entrance
Concept Rendering of 16th Avenue Entrance

The design of the entrance will include new landscaping and entry element / sculpture.    

The 16th Avenue entrance is one of two vehicular entrance to RHDDO and the only one that provides direct connection to a major roadway.

Picnic Area and Covered Pavilions 

Concept Image of Covered Picnic Area

The picnic area is proposed east of the Observatory Dome in the area historically landscaped and planted with specimen trees. It will be located adjacent to the playground and water feature element to allow families picnicking with children to use both facilities conveniently. 

Parking Lot
Concept Image of Parking Lot with Bioswale Drainage

This project involves the relocation of the existing parking lot south of the existing location on the drive leading to Elms Lea house. The new parking lot will accommodate 75 vehicles.

The parking lot design is to enhance the park, both aesthetically and ecologically, and incorporate ”green” features such as planted islands, bioswale drainage, permeable paving, safe walking areas and extensive shade trees.

Medium Term Projects (2029 – 2035)

Medium Term Projects are related to enhancements to the park to become a regional destination and are related to the Observatory Dome, the focal point of the park.   

 Restoration / Improvements to Donalda Drive
Concept Image of Entrance Drive and SidewalkDonalda Drive is one of two vehicular entrances to RHDDO Park. Restoration work and improvements to this heritage feature will include a new sidewalk, a new bike lane and specialized lighting that will preserve the heritage features of the laneway.
Formal Garden by Observatory and Administration Buildings 
Historical Image of Planting Design by Observatory and Administration Buildings

The original plan from the 1930’s for the Observatory included a formal Beaux-Arts formal garden that was never built.

The formal garden planned around the Observatory Dome will enhance the existing landscape and Observatory Dome while maintaining the heritage feature. 

Amphitheatre 
Concept Image of Amphitheatre Seating

An outdoor amphitheatre that can seat approximately 200 people will be added around the Observatory Dome to accommodate cultural and astronomy events.

The amphitheatre will be designed to be unobtrusive and consistent with the cultural heritage landscape. 

Central Fountain Plaza 
Concept Plan of Central Fountain Plaza

The Central Plaza, with a fountain feature, will be a gathering area located south of the Observatory Dome. Part of the Donalda Drive drop-off, this is a landmark where the many driveways and trails meet. 

The fountain feature will incorporate an astronomical theme and include seating, trees, special paving and wayfinding signage. 

 Panhandle Drive, Parking and Multi-use Paths
Concept Plan of Panhandle Drive Area

Panhandle Drive/ Ring Road begins as a direct two-way drive from 16th Avenue, then becomes a one-way circular drive beyond the rise in the Panhandle Lands. It has a drop-off at the north end.

The Ring Road includes the access drive, multi-use path, drop-off, parking and parkland area within Ring Road for passive recreation use. 

Tennis Court and Pavilion 
Concept Image of Tennis Court

Tennis courts and a small pavilion are planned for the park area adjacent to Ring Road and parking lot to help meet the City’s service level for tennis facilities. 

Southwest Wetlands including Boardwalk / Lookout 
Concept Image of Boardwalk Through Wetland

An elevated boardwalk will provide a pedestrian connection between RHDDO and Dovestone Park. The southwest corner of the RHDDO is subject to seasonal flooding and provides an opportunity to create an accessible wetland to enhance the biodiversity of the site. 

Elvis Stojko Arena Parking Lot 
Concept Image of Parking Lot with Permeable Paving and Bioswale

The full restoration of the Elvis Stojko Arena parking lot will be completed in conjunction with the construction of the Panhandle Drive, tennis courts and other facilities.

The parking lot restoration is to incorporate ”green” features such as planted islands, bioswale drainage, permeable paving, safe walking areas and extensive shade trees. 

Later Term Projects (2036+)

Later Term Projects are centered on Elms Lea house, which will be developed to complement the beautification and new features around the Observatory Dome, completed in the medium-term projects. The projects in this phase centre around creating the Elms Lea Visitor Centre to provide a more diverse park experience and will include more parking, a Planetarium, a community orchard, a skating trail with pavilion and washrooms, a Conservatory, Radio Shack restoration including antenna.

Related documents

The Master Plan was developed through a process that involved extensive public consultation and was approved by Council on September 26, 2016.

  • RHDDO Park Master Plan
  • Minutes of Settlement
  • RHDDO Principles and Options Report
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Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3P4

905-771-8800

access@richmondhill.ca

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