Learn About Parks
With increased greenfield and high density growth development, the City of Vaughan continues to invest in its parks to meet the needs of a dynamic and rapidly growing population.
The ATMP is a long range master plan for the provision of parks, recreation and library facilities reflecting Vaughan's evolving community recreational needs and interests.
Parks Planning is dedicated to the enhancement and expansion of Vaughan’s parks and open space network, providing residents with recreational and social opportunities and spaces.
Key Objectives
- Identify and develop new parks and open space opportunity within future and existing development areas and identify existing parks and open spaces for revitalization
- Collaborated with external government bodies, special interest/user groups/stakeholders, and residents to provide additional parks, open space and recreational facilities
- Promotes active community engagement to help identify park enhancement opportunities
The Vaughan Official Plan identifies the parkland classifications documented in Table 3, including the newly introduced "Urban Park". Amenities functions and usage levels vary from park to park depending on their specific characteristics and how public access is managed. The parkland classification system focuses on active parkland, as does the ATMP.
City of Vaughan Parkland Classification System
| Parkland Types | Size Hectares | Uses and Amenities | Target Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regional Park | 15 or more | Supports larger cultural, recreational and entertainment events, such as festivals and tournaments, as well as uses listed for District Parks. | Specialized events and amenities attract users from across the City. |
| District Park | 5 or more | Supports a variety of recreational and athletic interests with amenities, such as sports fields and courts, large skateboard parks, outdoor skating facilities, field houses, picnic shelters, off-leash dog areas and water play facilities. Co-located with Community Centers, where possible. | Specialized events and amenities attract users from across the City. |
| Neighbourhood Park | 0.75 to 5 | Supports a balance of active and passive uses, such as playgrounds, skate zones, play courts, unlit sports fields and social gathering spaces. Coordinated with school sites, where possible. | Serves community located within a 10-minute walk from the park. |
| Urban Park | 1 or more | Supports the social and cultural fabric of intensification areas through the provision of highly programmed outdoor spaces. May include program and event space, recreation such as playgrounds and outdoor skating and small-scale park supporting uses. | Serves areas of intensification. |
| Public Square | 0.2 to 1 | Supports neighbourhood-oriented social opportunities, as well as city-wide entertainment and cultural events depending on their size and location. May include public art, small outdoor game areas, seating areas and places to eat, as well as street-related activities such as candor and exhibit space. | Serves areas of intensification. |
Excluded from the table are "Open Space" elements including greenways, nature reserves, woodlots, storm water management facilities and cemeteries.
Parkland By-laws
By-law 139-90: By-law to require the conveyance of land for a park or other public recreational purpose as a condition of development or redevelopment.
By-law 205-2012: By-law to authorize the cash-in-lieu of parkland per unit rate applicable for high-density land.
By-law 007-2018: By-law to amend by-law 205-2012.
By-law 134-95: By-law for the Use, Regulation, Protection and Government of Parks in the City of Vaughan. By-law amendments are found here.
Parkland Policies
Developer Build Parks Policy: 07.2.05
Park Naming Policy: TPF-006
Local Service Policy: 12.C.01