RHDDO Master Plan

Restoration of Heritage Properties

The Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory Facility Restoration and Revitalization Project was completed in the spring of 2021 to preserve the Observatory Dome and Administration Building's heritage features.

This work included restoration of wood windows and doors, repairs and conservation of metal surfaces, replacement of metal roofing and flashing, and masonry and concrete repairs and restoration. 

Additional efforts were made to preserve the structures for the future, such as the installation of new foundation waterproofing and drainage systems, upgrades to existing municipal services, and upgrades to electrical systems.

Woodlot restoration work continues in association with the TRCA. Work includes the removal of invasive species, removal of dead and hazardous trees, and planting of native trees and shrubs to improve forest health and provide habitat for local wildlife.

Refer to RHDDO Ongoing Projects for additional information.

The trail system is hierarchical, with the main trails designed for universal accessibility and heavy use. Multi-use supporting trails and nature trails will provide more challenging routes with an appropriate environmental foot print.

In 2021 the City built 2.5 km of trails system for visitors to enjoy during all seasons. The trail system was expanded in 2023 with the construction of an additional 1.2 km of trails. 

The trails provide connectivity to surrounding neighbourhoods and greater use of the park for residents in the early stage of the implementation of the master plan. The trail surfacing is crushed granular or asphalt and are accessible for all users. 

Park entrances will feature design elements that convey the park identity and clearly define entry points with signage.

The park signage will provide wayfinding information, support learning, and contribute to a sense of place

The Observatory Lane Pedestrian Rail Overpass at the CN Rail Bala Line will provide access to RHDDO from the west, creating a connection to Yonge Street and highlighting the Elms Lea farm laneway as an important heritage feature. 

The ‘Star Path’ is a pedestrian connection from the Observatory / future Central Fountain Plaza south towards the Panhandle Lands at the south end of the site. The path uses embedded self-illuminating aggregate along the multi-use trail

A playground and water feature play element will be constructed on the east side of the site, in close proximity to the new residential development and for all park visitors to enjoy.

The playground is proposed to be a natural wooden playground.

The great lawn is an open space for outdoor gatherings and provides area for passive recreation, such as star gazing, movie nights, art in the park and more.

The design of the entrance will include new landscaping and entry element / sculpture.    

The 16th Avenue entrance is one of two vehicular entrance to RHDDO and the only one that provides direct connection to a major roadway.

The picnic area is proposed east of the Observatory Dome in the area historically landscaped and planted with specimen trees. It will be located adjacent to the playground and water feature element to allow families picnicking with children to use both facilities conveniently. 

This project involves the relocation of the existing parking lot south of the existing location on the drive leading to Elms Lea house. The new parking lot will accommodate 75 vehicles.

The parking lot design is to enhance the park, both aesthetically and ecologically, and incorporate ”green” features such as planted islands, bioswale drainage, permeable paving, safe walking areas and extensive shade trees.

The original plan from the 1930’s for the Observatory included a formal Beaux-Arts formal garden that was never built.

The formal garden planned around the Observatory Dome will enhance the existing landscape and Observatory Dome while maintaining the heritage feature. 

An outdoor amphitheatre that can seat approximately 200 people will be added around the Observatory Dome to accommodate cultural and astronomy events.

The amphitheatre will be designed to be unobtrusive and consistent with the cultural heritage landscape. 

The Central Plaza, with a fountain feature, will be a gathering area located south of the Observatory Dome. Part of the Donalda Drive drop-off, this is a landmark where the many driveways and trails meet. 

The fountain feature will incorporate an astronomical theme and include seating, trees, special paving and wayfinding signage. 

Panhandle Drive/ Ring Road begins as a direct two-way drive from 16th Avenue, then becomes a one-way circular drive beyond the rise in the Panhandle Lands. It has a drop-off at the north end.

The Ring Road includes the access drive, multi-use path, drop-off, parking and parkland area within Ring Road for passive recreation use. 

Tennis courts and a small pavilion are planned for the park area adjacent to Ring Road and parking lot to help meet the City’s service level for tennis facilities. 

An elevated boardwalk will provide a pedestrian connection between RHDDO and Dovestone Park. The southwest corner of the RHDDO is subject to seasonal flooding and provides an opportunity to create an accessible wetland to enhance the biodiversity of the site. 

The full restoration of the Elvis Stojko Arena parking lot will be completed in conjunction with the construction of the Panhandle Drive, tennis courts and other facilities.

The parking lot restoration is to incorporate ”green” features such as planted islands, bioswale drainage, permeable paving, safe walking areas and extensive shade trees.