Dog parks in Richmond Hill

 Tower Hill Road Off Leash Park

New park in Richmond Hill (opened in Oct 2009).

This is a pilot project which began in October. This park is quite large, fenced in, and has a seperate area fenced in for small dogs. There are a few hills, a valley a few benches, trees and shrubs. It is among a great walking tral so it is easy to get to by foot, car, and bus.

The dog park is approximately 1.8 acres, completely fenced in with small dog area (intended for dogs under 12lbs.) and the larger main area. The entrance is double gated for safety.

More info on the Richmond Hill K9 Club website at http://www.rhk9klub.ca

I have been to this park numerous times and I have never had a problem in fact if it weren\\\'t for this park my dog would never have turned into a socialable dog. Most reason why dogs attack is because they are not social. Dog fights happen because people bring their dogs into the park and the dog has barely been around others. It is important that u socialize your dog from puppyhood to avoid these later on fights with other dogs. And for the people who have commented saying that this is bad and that is bad well last time I checked because I pay attention to my surroundings are that there is a sign posted that states your dog is not suppose to be in the park if it is not spayed or neutered and if they don\\\'t have current shots. For people in the area how have complained most of them have dogs which is the sad part. Dog parks are needed because just like kids dogs in a park to play into and I\\\'m sorry my dog and most dogs I see are more well behaved. The only problem I have ever had us that families that bring there kids that are too young to the park and they are running around bugging the other dogs there this park is for the dogs not the kids. Over all this park is good and the people that visit are as well. Leave this park alone it\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s in a good spot and it\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s not far that the dogs be punished for our own actions.

Visited the park once, found kids playing with a basketball isnide the dog park.

absolutely fabulous park - well maintained - locals who frequent it are very well mannered and clean up after their dogs - it's CRAZY that someone who's got a non-neutered dog that lives in a house in the neighbourhood but doesn't even back onto the park can complain, screetch a high-pitched fog horn without any repercussion -- we're all tax payers - to think what would happen if we did the reverse? his behaviour is akin to bullying and should not be acceptable!

I am a new user of the park and have been there approximately three times in the month of January and haven't gone back since the end of January due to an incident between another dog owner and a resident that lives across from the park. I was shocked when the OSPCA came to my door yesterday evening to give me a written warning as someone in Tower Hill called in my licence plate to say that I was walking my dog off leash along the paths that same day at the end of January. I NEVER walk my dog off leash, I am a responsible pet owner! Additionally, my dog is a rescue of which I have had since the end of December and he has limited recall when not in the home or in my backyard so I never could let him off leash outside of the dog park anyways as if he saw a squirrel or a cat he would be long gone (plus it's illegal to be off leash!).

I am absolutely disgusted by the acts of the residents of Tower Hill trying to intimidate innocent dog owners into not returning to this dog park. I will not stand for this malicious behaviour by the residents and will continue to go to this dog park.

How is it fair that innocent and law-abiding dog owners are having false complaints made against them to the Town/OSPCA? What happens should I ever wish to adopt from the OSPCA with this complaint on my record? Again, this is absolutely disgusting behaviour from the residents.

The OSPCA indicated that if further complaints are made without any proof (ie. photos) that I can call the police to file harassment charges...do we really need to take it this far and punish innocent dogs and owners?

Yet again, the same people, under pseudonyms post their lies and deliberate misinformation about this wonderful park. At some point, I presume, they will learn that their comments in an effort to undermine such a valuable community gathering place are just making people more determined to save this park. Same old poor grammar. Same old poor excuses. Same old same old. This park is an important crucible of social capital - a place to flesh out ideas that are of benefit to our community. Yes, dogs exercise and yes, people 'socialize'. That is the value of the park. People who might never have had an opportunity to belong and act find that belonging in the community that has evolved around the park. That same community engages in a multitude of activities that build value in Richmond Hill. Drop the perpetual attacks. The volunteers keep this park extremely clean and it is never 'smelly'. It is a beautiful park and over 1500 people so far have signed petitions (and still counting) attesting to its value. Go visit it. It is wonderful.

I’m a frequent user of this park. If we want to save this park we should not hide or lie about issues the park has. It is not true that all dog owners pick up after their pets. The pathway to the park entrance has a lot of evidence of it. I personally reminded a few people about their responsibilities to stop and scoop. Not all of them even listen. As for today the park is dirty and smelly. Volunteers clean up the park one per month. They can’t clean up area around the park. It is dog owner’s responsibility to keep it clean. The same applies when dogs are unleashed outside the park area. I’ve see numerous incidents when dog owner let their dog free right after they cross the road. Those are issues the park opposition is complaining about.

I’m a dog owner and visited the park ones. Let me tell you my experience with this one.
The design of this Dog Park is done for dog owners to socialize and not for dogs to exercise. Here is the list of what I don’t like about this Dog Park:
1. Luck of parking – creates danger for the park visitors.
2. Entrance to the park is a very narrow pathway where incoming and outgoing dog owners with dogs of all sizes gets congested. Creates conditions for dog fights.
3. Park size is too small – When many dogs overcrowded in small area there is a danger of spreading disease as well as dog fights.
4. Topography of the park is not allowing dog owners to have a visual control of their dog.
5. There are too many obstructions in the park. Running dogs could get hurt by bumping in them.
This is not just my opinion but general rules for Dog Parks. Those rules are in place for other parks I visited but not in Richmond Hill Dog Park. As it was said in the comment below – “If you don't like the park, don't use it”, I’m not coming to this park that is for sure.

I read on website that something was found in the park “that looks like poison.” Can any one tell me if it is true? If it is, I’m not coming to this park, ever again. Better safe then sorry.

Whoever is complaining about a clean and peaceful park obviously doesn\\\'t have a dog. There are signs in all public parks asking for owners to leash their dogs which does not allow them to socialize. This is a great alternative for dogs and owners. I dont see how the park is a problem to the people living in the neighbourhood because everyone picks up after their dog and is respectful to the property. The new park is not as convenient and central so the tower hill people will be missing out.

Tower Hill Dog Park has a place in the community. I was sad to hear that the park will officially be closing and relocated to Leslie and 18th due to complaints of surrounding neighbours. Some of which are dog owners themselves. One of the arguments was that recently there have been more cars reported stolen in the area. And some neighbours suggest that this is due to the strangers who frequent the dog park. Yet how we forget how close they are to busy Yonge street and the people who get on and off the buses. Must be a talented poodle who can jimmy open a car door.

Anyhow, this park is wonderful. I've visited quite a few with my dog and must say it is one of the larger ones. And no noisier than any other park I\'ve been to. It is quieter than a children\'s playground. The hills are nice, and 99% of the owners are very resposible picking up after their dogs and reprimanding any not so nice behaviour.

I am sad to see this dog park go due to the ignorance of the neighbours that surround it.

I love the preamble to posting a comment on this site. I wish the people who are using it as a forum to state their case to close our park would read it before they comment. "This website is intended for the benefit of park-goers and their dogs". What the heck are you doing posting your political debates on this website?? The person who created this website did so with dog-park users in mind. You share no such interest, so go post on a website dedicated to closing parks instead of rating them. Our park in Richmond Hill is beautiful to everyone who uses it. The nearby residents disagree and feel this is the forum to debate their views. If you're here to learn about nice parks, go visit ours in Richmond Hill. It is a truly unique park and you will enjoy the experience.

With regards to all comments above I should say the dog park is a good idea. If you don't like it - don't use it, that's simple. If you do - get in and enjoy! It is your choice! No matter how many cons and pros such off-leash park have, my concern is the way this particular park was developed! We all living in the democratic society and have to follow and respect the laws. This park was built without collecting a feedback of the community it is residing now! Please have a look - http://www.toronto.ca/parks/facilities/dogs/denied.htm (read reason for deny of HINDER PROPERTY). This park is the pilot project and has to be closed in November 2010 till decision to turn it to a live project is made. Think of it! I am pretty sure if City wants to run high-voltage line thru the residence they HAVE to ask us. Do you believe off-leash park and high-voltage line have a difference? If you do, then we are all in trouble as every single law can be broken or corrected the way someone wants. Tomorrow you will be asked to cut your backyard because of Shell will be drilling an oil well or Bell will rise an antenna. Let me guess... you will be fighting for your rights! Why do you close your eyes on the similar law violations? Are you selective or you didn't know the details? I am the resident of this community and have to confirm - my family never been asked for opinion regarding to that park, but I was invited to the great opening! Do you want to develop your future life with that schedule!? By the way, before that park was built, City has developed trail (beside this dog park) and we all received notification of this future project and been asked for a feedback and even to name future trail! These are similar projects, why they were treated differently?

This off leash park is a beautiful park to take your dog(s) to. The rolling hills, trees and large area for the dogs to run within is just fabulous. I find it's a great way to help continue the dog's training as well. And of course it is an awesome way to help socialize your dog and yourself! I have had the pleasure of meeting some wonderful & kind people who all have one thing in common. The love of their dogs!

@ Christina who feels her dog is \"too yappy\" the take to the park. I completely disagree with you. A happy, exercised dog is less likely to be so yappy...he\'ll be too tired from all the fun he had to bark! If you\'re worried about neighbours who are hundreds of yards away from the park and buffered by trees & shrubs because your dog yaps too much, I\'d be more worried about your immediate neighbours on either side of you first. Try it, try it I say, you\'ll like it!

Wow! This Dog Park looks like a war zone between residents and park supporters.
I wanted to check this park out on coming weekend, but I better stay away from it. Don’t want to be caught in the middle of the fight.
That last comment is very aggressive. I thought the website is about sharing honest opinion about Dog Parks to help dog owners to find as much information as possible. Nobody should insult the other person just because he/she has different opinion.

The off leash area at Tower Hill and Yonge in Richmond Hill is an absolutely beautiful park coming in at just under a hectare - that's big. I don't think the last person knows what they're talking about. We use the park regularly and it's never any noisier than a children's playground would be -- actually I can tell you that it's WAY quieter. It is a large area compared to other off leash parks in the GTA and is tucked away in a lovely valley way far away from any houses - actually, it is right behind a commercial plaza so there is no issue with noise. It is surrounded by trees and shrubbery and has beautiful rolling hills that the dogs absolutely love. It is double-gated and fully fenced-in, providing great safety and enjoyment to dogs and their owners. Why on earth would you make a post that suggests 'closing' a park on a website resource that is specifically being used to list parks for us to use "This website, including visitor comments, is intented for the benefit of park-goers and their dogs"? If you don't like the park, don't use it. Actually, I think it more likely that they are a 'plant' from the group of nearby residents who are trying to close the park for selfish reasons as it is very unlikely that someone would refer to their own dog as being 'a yappy little dog' that never stops barking -- take that comment with a grain of salt. We use the park regularly and we love the fact that we finally have an off leash park in Richmond Hill!!!!!

I'm a dog owner and visited Off Leash Dog park a few times.
As much as I wanted to keep coming to the park, I'm not going to do so.
I have a very yappy little dog. I don't feel comfortable coming to the park which is located so close to the people's properties.
City has to find a better location for this park. I think current location was chosen without any thoughts about people who live near by.
I hope council will vote to relocate this park.

The Tower Hill Off-Leash area is a wonderful community dog park within a larger public greenspace. The natural topography and its location down in a valley makes for a fun-filled adventure for dogs and people alike. It is a fenced, mulched and well-maintained facility owing in part to the growing group of volunteers who have taken stewardship of the facility to keep it safe and clean (The Richmond Hill K9 Klub. I hope that the success of this park leads to more parks in Richmond Hill. God knows we need them and they have been a long-time coming.

This park is tiny. It's not even two acres and the small dog section reduces it further. It's ridiculous. Dogs cannot run and play safely in such a small area. It is way too small for the number of dogs who use it and conflicts are numerous. There is NO parking, though users are advised to use the strip mall across the street.

Do you know of a dog friendly park in the Richmond Hill area?
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