Richmond Hill is moving ahead with construction of a new public park named Dave Barrow Civic Square, a destination space planned at the southwest corner of Yonge Street and Major Mackenzie Drive West beside the Central Branch of the Richmond Hill Public Library.
Park to serve as central gathering place
The square is intended to function as a year-round focal point for community life, hosting events, celebrations and everyday gatherings while acting as a gateway to the city’s historic Village area. Work on the project is expected to begin this fall, according to the city.
The park, which will be the city’s sixth designated destination park, is being planned with a mix of programmed and natural spaces designed for seasonal use.
- Performance and events: an outdoor amphitheatre with a permanent stage, an events plaza and terrace for community activities.
- Seasonal amenities: a winter skating rink that converts into an events lawn for spring, summer and fall programming.
- Signature features: illuminated Richmond Hill letters with programmable lighting to mark civic occasions.
- Natural elements: woodlands, a pollinator meadow, a natural grass meadow, a marsh and a network of new trails.
- Learning and legacy: a teaching garden and preservation of an existing memorial bench and a sandblasted quote from Dave Barrow.
"It's all about community."
The sandblasted phrase honours Dave Barrow, who served on municipal council for more than three decades and was mayor from 2006 to 2021. The preserved bench and his quote will remain part of the site after redevelopment.
Design seeks year-round activation
City planners say the mix of hard-surface event areas, performance infrastructure and softer natural spaces will allow programming across seasons, from concerts and movies to outdoor learning and informal recreation. The seasonal rink’s conversion to an events lawn is a specific example of the design intent to maximise use through the year.
Officials have framed the square as both a civic destination and a complement to surrounding services, noting its adjacency to the Central Branch library and proximity to Richmond Hill’s Village core. The project will join five existing destination parks in the city once complete.
| Feature | Purpose/Season |
|---|---|
| Richmond Hill Bowl & Bowl Stage | Outdoor amphitheatre — concerts, movies, performances |
| Seasonal skating rink | Winter skating; converts to events lawn in warmer months |
| Illuminated letters | Programmable civic displays |
| Natural areas & trails | Woodlands, meadows, marsh, pollinator habitat, walking routes |
| Teaching garden | Outdoor learning and education |
Construction is due to commence this fall, though the city has not published a completion date in its release. As the project advances, residents can expect further details on timelines, programming and any temporary impacts to nearby streets or library access.
