Construction begins on a new year-round gathering place beside the Central Library
On Wednesday, July 15th, with smoky skies behind them, the City of Richmond Hill broke ground on Dave Barrow Civic Square. This will be a significant destination park and central gathering place, located at the southwest corner of Yonge Street and Major Mackenzie Drive West (just south of the Central Library).
Dave Barrow Civic Square has been designed to bring the community together year-round. It will host community events, celebrations, and everyday gatherings, and will serve as a gateway to Richmond Hill's historic Village area.
The Dave Barrow Civic Square will feature a range of spaces and amenities for residents to enjoy in every season, including:
- The Richmond Hill Bowl and Bowl Stage, an outdoor amphitheatre and permanent stage for concerts, movies and community performances
- Richmond Hill illuminated letters, a signature sign with programmable lighting to celebrate civic events and community occasions
- A seasonal skating rink in the winter months that converts to an events lawn for spring, summer and fall programming
- An events plaza and terrace for gatherings, activities and everyday enjoyment
- Natural spaces including woodlands, a pollinator meadow, a natural grass meadow and a marsh, connected by a network of new trails
- A teaching garden for outdoor learning
The park also preserves the existing memorial bench and Dave Barrow's sandblasted quote, "It's all about community," honouring the former Mayor's decades of service. Dave Barrow served Richmond Hill for more than 30 years, including as Mayor from 2006 to 2021.
