NMRP Project Updates

Construction is underway and will take place in stages. Different areas of the park will be closed to the public with onsite signage and fencing during each stage. The existing parking lot, artificial turf fields and pavilion will remain open throughout the construction.

Image

This stage of construction will prepare 52 hectares (130 acres) of the park for future development of new recreational facilities and amenities. To prepare this site for the future, the scope of work includes:

• site grading and stormwater management.
• installation of underground services (water, storm, sanitary, electrical, gas and telecom).
• reconstruction and extension of the current park roadway, in addition to creating a second park access from Keele Street.
• environmental restoration, enhancement, and connection of the existing pond, wetland, and habitat areas

Enabling works construction continues and is approximately 55 per cent complete. An overview of current planning activities is outlined in the North Maple Regional Park Program Update – September 2023. Here are some highlights:

• Site grading, servicing and environmental restoration work on 130 acres of land is in progress. This includes the City’s first cricket field and event lawn, additional park pathways, accessible multi-use trails, extending the existing driveway (Vaughan CARES Way) to include a second access point on Keele Street and adding a new traffic signal at the park’s north entrance. Enabling works construction will be fully completed by the end of 2024, with some elements nearing completion this year. 
• Restoration of approximately 10 acres of wetland and provincially significant areas, including  pond and wetland expansion and the creation of a wildlife corridor. 
• Development of a family recreation area is underway and envisioned to include a variety of programming for all ages and all seasons. Some elements may include a waterplay area, nature playgrounds, picnic areas, shade shelter, multi-use trails, boardwalk and a pond lookout. This project is anticipated to be completed by 2026.     

Image

Environmental Restoration

As part of this work, environmental restoration is a priority. This will include removing current trees, grasses and shrubs which will be replanted in a way that improves the ecosystems onsite. All work is being completed in coordination with the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, and the Toronto Region Conservation Authority.

For more information on enabling works construction, contact Michael McNamara, Project Manager at Michael.McNamara@vaughan.ca.

Image

Guided by three pillars – Restore. Engage. Play. – the area will promote activities related to restoring nature, sharing culture, promoting active living and building community. The Family Recreation Area is envisioned to include a variety of amenities for all ages and seasons, including playgrounds, water play, a youth zone, shade shelters, boardwalks, pathways, a skating trail, pond lookout, benches, a picnic area, pavilion, gardens, additional parking and year-round washroom facilities. 

Check out the area’s concept design, which was presented to Vaughan Council, to get a sense of what’s to come. To learn more, read the Nov. 28 Committee of the Whole (1) meeting report: North Maple Regional Park Family Recreation Area Update – November 2023. The final design will be completed in 2024 and construction is anticipated to begin in 2025. The Family Recreation Area is anticipated to open for public use in 2026!

For more information on the family recreation area, contact Michael McNamara, Project Manager at Michael.McNamara@vaughan.ca.

Image

The City has begun the NMRP Master Plan process to plan and program the entire 900-acres, with a focus on future park areas that are currently not available for public use (i.e. closed landfill areas). The plan will confirm the park’s vision, and help guide long-term park development, programming and management. The plan will foster opportunities to restore the natural environment, engage the community, and provide a place for active living. 

Sign up to the NMRP mailing list to receive updates on the master plan and be notified of upcoming opportunities for community engagement. For more information on the NMRP Master Plan development, contact Michelle Moretti, Project Manager at Michelle.Moretti@vaughan.ca.

Image

A series of artistic and interpretive signage and installations have been installed at the park. These signs will provide visitors with more information about the park’s design, construction, development plans and vision. Also featured are a series of art installations to express a warm welcome to all park visitors.

These installations provide an opportunity to explore a visual language for future signage, interpretation, and wayfinding at the park. Public feedback is invited to inform future work in these areas. These new gestures have been informed by feedback from the public and community groups dating back to the park opening in 2018. The hope is to develop an identity unique to NMRP and reflective of its grand size and bold vision. 

Completed in 2023, the first set of installations feature ground level graphics at various entrances to the park and throughout the trails. They include representations of plants, animals, insects and birds that we share with the park. In addition, a large-scale image was installed on the wall of the pavilion facing the parking lot. A series of interpretive signage has been installed to highlight information on the park’s vision and guiding principles, its history and future development.

For more information on wayfinding and site signage, contact Tricia Fidelino, Project Coordinator, at Tricia.Fidelino@vaughan.ca.