Mill Pond Park, one of Richmond Hill's destination parks, is undergoing a redesign and construction that will create new amenities, like pickleball courts and an outdoor skating rink, as well a boardwalk and additional trails.
Developed in consultation with the community, the estimated seven-year plan will bring enhancements that include:
- 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, according to a City of Richmond Hill news release."
More information about the Mill Pond Park revitalization master plan can be found at RichmondHill.ca/MillPondProject.
“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 said.
The pace of the redesign and construction of the new park is dependent on capital funding, the city stated.
Mill Pond Park is one of Richmond Hill’s five existing destination parks, including Lake Wilcox Park, Richmond Green Park, David Dunlap Observatory Park and Phyllis Rawlinson Park.
Mill Pond Park’s history dates back to the mid-1800s, when it was a sawmill operation, and later converted to a reservoir to supply local drinking water.
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.
