Richmond Hill’s $14M Bridge Opens a New Path to DDO Park |
The new pedestrian and cycling bridge near Yonge Street connects Observatory Lane with 110 acres of green space and heritage at David Dunlap Observatory Park. |
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The observatory grounds are genuinely one of the most underrated spots in Richmond Hill. Glad more people will discover it
Couldn't agree more, 110 acres of green space, trails, and heritage buildings right in the heart of Richmond Hill is a real gem, and we hope the new bridge helps a lot more neighbours discover it.
LoriSWTotally agree. I grew up here and barely knew the observatory grounds existed until a few years ago. The heritage buildings alone are worth a visit.
The heritage buildings in there are so underrated. Nice to see the town investing in ways to get people actually visiting the place.
Does anyone know if this is paved or gravel on the bridge surface? Asking for cycling
Rob CamaraWas wondering the same thing. Hoping it's paved, I ride a road bike and gravel is a pain. Let us know if you find out!
We don't have the specific surface specification in hand right now, but given the bridge was built with cyclists in mind, it would be worth checking the Town of Richmond Hill's parks page for the latest details.
Never even heard of David Dunlap Observatory Park before reading this. Been living here 12 years. How did I miss that.
Took my kids there this morning using the new bridge from Observatory Lane. Way easier than finding parking off Bayview
PatriciaVParking over there on weekends is such a nightmare. Glad to hear the bridge actually makes a difference. Did the kids enjoy the grounds?
Love hearing that, and yes, the parking situation near the park has always been a bit of a challenge, so this connection from Observatory Lane should make spontaneous visits like yours a lot more common!
Cycled over this morning. Smooth ride and connects pretty well to the trail inside the park. Worth it for cyclists for sure.
Tanya M.Good to know! Was wondering how the connection into the park actually worked. Might take my bike out this weekend then.
Great to hear the first-hand report, the connection into the park's trail network was very much part of the design intent, so it's good to know it's delivering for cyclists already.
Cool but $14M seems like a lot for a bridge that connects a mall parking lot to a park lol
jenn_hillI think it crosses a ravine or valley section, not just a flat path. That kind of structure gets expensive fast. Still fair to question it though.
The bridge is actually designed as a dedicated active-transportation link rather than a mall connector, the goal is giving cyclists and pedestrians a safe, scenic route directly into the observatory park grounds.
The David Dunlap Observatory is such an underrated spot in Richmond Hill. Good that more people will find their way over there.
Couldn't agree more, the observatory and its heritage buildings are a genuine Richmond Hill gem, and greater foot traffic via the new bridge should help more locals discover that.
Paul NgTotally agree. I brought my nephew there last summer for a public telescope night and he loved it. More people should know about it.
Been going to DDO park for years and always had to drive in from the main entrance. This is actually a big deal for people on the east side
That's exactly the kind of difference this bridge is meant to make, residents on that side of the park finally have a direct, car-free route in rather than having to loop around to the main entrance.
Mike FerenczSame, always felt like you had to commit to the drive to even bother going. Having a walkable option from that side of town changes things a lot.
Walked across it yesterday and honestly it was really nice. Views are great and the park on the other side is beautiful. Worth the trip.
Good for cyclists I guess but what about parking near Observatory Lane? Already tight over there.
14 million dollars though. That seems like a lot for a pedestrian bridge. What does it even look like?
rhill_residentThere are photos on the town's website. It looks pretty sleek actually, not just a basic concrete slab. But yeah 14 million still makes you blink a little.
It's a fair question, and the price reflects both the engineering required to span the gap and the heritage-sensitive surroundings of the David Dunlap Observatory Park, we hope to have more visual details to share soon.
Used to bring my kids to the observatory park years ago. So glad theyre making it easier to get to. Will definitely check out the new bridge this weekend.
14 million dollars for a pedestrian bridge feels like a lot. Hope it actually gets used and isnt just empty every time I drive by.
Finally went for a walk through there last weekend and had no idea it was that big. 110 acres right next to Hillcrest Mall this whole time.
Great timing too since Hillcrest Mall parking is always a nightmare on weekends. Can just walk over from there now.
Jen L.Right? Especially during the holidays. Honestly just walking over sounds way less stressful than circling the lot for 20 minutes.
Exactly the kind of practical win this connection was designed for, swapping a weekend parking hunt for a short, pleasant walk is a pretty easy trade.
I had no idea that park was 110 acres. Been driving past it for years and never went in. Might actually check it out now.
110 acres really is impressive for an urban park, and with the heritage observatory buildings on the grounds there's plenty to explore once you're inside, enjoy your first visit!
Mike FerraraSame here honestly. I always assumed it was private land. 110 acres is huge, that's worth an afternoon for sure.
Finally walked over it yesterday with my dog. Honestly really nice, the views into the park are pretty solid
Glad you and your pup enjoyed it, those views across the open grounds toward the heritage observatory buildings are a lovely surprise for first-time crossers!
Sandra_RHThe views caught me off guard too. You can really see how much green space is in there once you get up on the bridge. My dog was a bit suspicious of it at first but then was fine lol
$14 million for a pedestrian bridge?? Hope it's worth it lol
Dave T.Bridges are honestly way more expensive than people expect. Factor in the ravine crossing, accessibility requirements, structural engineering. $14M is high but not shocking for something this size.
It's a fair question to ask of any infrastructure project, and the $14-million price tag does reflect the engineering required to create a safe, accessible crossing that works for both pedestrians and cyclists year-round.
Walked across it yesterday with my dog, honestly really nice. The view into the park from the bridge is lovely.
Sandra_RHDogs allowed on the trails inside the park too? Thinking of taking mine over sometime.
So glad you and your pup enjoyed it, that view into the park's green expanse is exactly the kind of arrival moment a bridge like this should offer.
$14 million for a bridge to a park. Hope it holds up better than the roads around here.
Dave T.Ha, fair point. Yonge north of Major Mac has been a mess for months. Fix the roads first maybe.
Fair point on the roads, though at $14 million this bridge was built to last, and we'd expect nothing less given it's connecting residents to a heritage park for the long haul.