Now in this time when we are looking for things to do right in our own backyard, you may want to venture to this park, despite the buildings being closed and undergoing renovations. The administrative building is wrapped in a green protective layer, as if it is wearing a mask. The white dome and iconic blue door is framed with scaffolding. (If you want to avoid the construction noise come on the weekend or after 5 pm.)
This place has had in recent history a very convoluted and contentious past. The dome structure and the administrative building were constructed in the 1930’s. Canada’s largest telescope is here. A black hole was discovered here. This has been the location for lots of astronomical research and the location for many movies and wedding photos.
Five picnic tables, safely distanced, are in front of the buildings on an expansive lawn. There are a couple of benches too. Maybe you would want to bring a blanket and just lay down and day dream of the past and imagine the future.
Large majestic trees - chestnut, oaks, maple, spruce - surround the area. Much of the grounds are left untouched. Lots of raspberries.
Lots of natural habitat. Paths made by deer. If you are there at dusk, watch for bats.
The surrounding woods might seem a little creepy. Don't wear flip-flops.
The winding road into the park may have you lose your sense of direction. You may want to check your compass app on your phone to see what direction Yonge St. and Bayview Ave are.
And you need to check the sundial to see if it’s got the right time.
You will look at these cement pillars protruding from the middle of the lawn with things sticking out and wonder why they are there. 
Answer – telescope mounts.
If you wander behind the Administrative Building and follow an overgrown path you will see a shack of sorts. It’s the Radio Shack.
Were there secret transmission sent from there during WWII???
Astronomy programs for adults and children were being offered until the pandemic. There are plans to develop this park to be something very special. (Click here for the city’s plans for the park.)
A decade from now, when you are at this amazing David Dunlap Park, and think back to these days of the pandemic, and how you had ventured there, trying to imagine its future.
The address is 123 Hillsview, near Bayview and Weldrick. Click here for the map.
I would like to thank Drs Ian Shelton and Tuba Koktay for showing me the park and pointing out some of the interesting features. They are looking forward to welcoming many more visitors.
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This is the second "Let's Explore Richmond Hill" article
Last week's feature was The Peace Park
