Town Park is Richmond Hill’s first park, purchased and opened in October of 1885. Historically the town’s most important park, for many years it was the recreational centre of Richmond Hill and the principal site for the community’s sporting, civic, and agricultural events. Sports and recreation facilities have been key components of Town Park throughout its history, including the harness racing track that bounded the park for many years, a skating rink that has been expanded and improved several times, tennis courts that have been present in the park for 114 years, and a baseball diamond from which a world softball champion was produced.

JRS was selected to collaborate with the City of Richmond Hill on a Master Plan for Town Park, a complete guide for the park’s revitalization and redevelopment that aligns with the city’s goals and objectives for parks and recreation. Establishing a conceptual vision and functional program, the Master Plan develops a phased plan for the revitalized park’s outdoor recreation and event facilities, enhances external connections and improves site circulation, identifies opportunities to enhance sustainability and natural features, suggests place-making strategies for the park, and provides phasing and high-level cost information for implementation of the Master Plan.

The objectives of the Master Plan are to:

• Renew Town Park’s identity
• Create an intergenerational park
• Improve connectivity and access
• Design for sustainability
• Maintain the park’s role as a centre for recreation
• Provide flexible spaces
• Ensure a welcoming park
• Promote park safety and accessibility

The Town Park Master Plan was approved by Richmond Hill City Council in June 2023.