Richmond Hill Advocacy Group
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Background - David Dunlap Observatory Park
In July 2022, Richmond Hill Council unanimously agreed to build 16 dedicated pickleball courts at David Dunlap Observatory Park. The courts were provisioned for an air-support structure, with planning and construction slated to begin in 2023/2024.
What Happened?
In September 2023, the newly elected Council (elected in November 2022) paused the project. They have essentially delayed the further progress until 2025 citing the need for a tennis and pickleball strategy. Two sports that are and have been proven to be incompatible.
We need to get this project back on track!
Fall 2025 Update
The City of Richmond Hill is holding public consultation meetings on October 2 and October 16. These meetings will help determine the future of pickleball in our city.
Richmond Hill needs a clear, forward-looking pickleball strategy — one that recognizes the vital role community clubs play in introducing new players to the game, providing programs and lessons to meet the needs of all players and those who will soon discover the game.
Explore the Issues
➡️ The Pickleball Timeline (2019–2025): Five Years / Six Courts
Learn how Richmond Hill has delayed action while demand has skyrocketed.
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➡️ Upcoming Meetings (Oct 2 & 16): What You Need to Know
Dates, times, and how you can make your voice heard.
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➡️ What’s Needed: Courts + Clubs
Why dedicated courts matter and why community clubs are essential to growth.
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➡️ Myth vs Fact: The Role of Pickleball Clubs
Clearing up misunderstandings about “competitive” vs “community” play.
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➡️ Newmarket vs. Richmond Hill: A Tale of Two Strategies
See how Newmarket built a true pickleball hub while Richmond Hill stalled.
[Read More →]
King's College Park (KCP)
Richmond Hill built two dedicated pickleball courts at KCP in 2020. The courts are actively used day and night, but given their proximity to nearby homes, they have become the source of numerous complaints.
Bayview Hill Park
The City of Richmond Hill has begun construction of the four Bayview Hill pickleball courts.
There is an outside chance the courts will be available by late September 2024. There is no doubt these courts will become an extremely popular pickleball destination when completed.
These courts are less than 100M away from nearby homes, and we can only hope they do not become the subject of complaints from nearby residents.
