What’s happening at North Maple Regional Park

North Maple Regional Park (NMRP) is the City of Vaughan’s biggest park project yet – and work to transform it is well underway! Phase 2 of the park’s redevelopment is now 50 per cent complete.  

Construction of Phase 2 Enabling Works – which includes site grading, servicing and environmental restoration – is well underway and some areas of the park may be able to open this year! These works are focused on preparing 52 hectares (130 acres) of parkland for future development of new recreational facilities and amenities. Here are some highlights:

• Work is underway to prepare the site for future facilities and stormwater management areas, including grading, topsoiling, seeding and some planting. 

• Vaughan’s first cricket field is proceeding and will feature field lighting and irrigation. It will be completed by the end of the year and ready for permitting and programming in 2025.

• A major event lawn, where City events (such as Concerts in the Park) can take place, is under construction and will be completed in spring 2024.

• Traffic signals at the main park entrance are to be installed by the end of the year and will be operational in January 2024.

• Planning and design continue for the family recreation area located near the pond. Plans will include a variety of programming for all ages and seasons, including a waterplay area, playground area, picnic area and shade areas. The family recreation area is anticipated to be open to the public by 2026.

• New to the park is a series of art installations intended to animate the space and offer a warm welcome to all guests – the installations include nature symbols, such as leaves, dragonflies and more. Look for them now at the park entrance, on the park grounds, throughout the trail route and on the south pavilion wall!

Planning to visit NMRP soon? Different areas of the park will be closed while construction takes place, including some trails and the toboggan hill over the winter months. Onsite signage and fencing are in effect. However, the existing parking lot, artificial turf fields and pavilion remain open as the work progresses. 

What’s open in the park now?

The following facilities are currently available in the park:

• two FIFA-certified artificial turf soccer fields with built-in spectator seating

• a park pavilion, which includes a terrace, washrooms, changerooms and water fountains (opened in 2019)

• picnic areas with shade shelters and seating 

• an asphalt parking area with room for 200 vehicles

• variety of walking and hiking trails

• free WiFi (accessible by the park pavilion and soccer fields)

We have also completed several trail improvements, including paving existing trails, replacing the Nevada Park Bridge and adding seating, planting and signage. This work was funded by the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, and by the Government of Ontario.

What’s the plan for redevelopment? 

In April 2018, Council endorsed the vision to develop North Maple Regional Park into a signature 900-acre park with outstanding recreation and culture opportunities. A comprehensive work program is being created to guide the park’s development over the next 10 years and beyond. 

Here is an overview of current planning activities, as outlined in the North Maple Regional Park Program Update – September 2023: 

• Development of the Park Master Plan is set to launch this year, which will include various community engagement opportunities to confirm the vision for the 900-acre park and gather input on what programs, activities and facilities are desired. A Request for Proposal for consulting services was released in July 2023. 

• A North Maple Regional Park Program Committee and staff Collaboration Team were established to provide alignment with priorities of this Term of Council. Focus areas include the design and development of the park’s family recreation area and botanical garden elements.

• A concept design and feasibility review for a National Soccer Training Centre is underway

Want to stay informed on the park’s progress? 

Visit vaughan.ca/NMRP for more information or subscribe to the North Maple Regional Park mailing list.

For updates and news as they happen, subscribe to Vaughan News and follow the official corporate channels on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.