Naturalization

Newberry Wetland

Newberry park had previously been developed to include soccer and baseball but groundwater from the Oak Ridges Moraine aquifer continually bubbled to the surface and over a number of years the fields became too wet for play. The Town of Richmond Hill recognized an opportunity to expand, enhance, and restore the natural areas of Newberry Park, utilizing the upwelling groundwater in the creation of wildlife habitat and improving water quality in a nearby creek.

In 2006 Harrington McAvan Ltd. was retained by the Town of Richmond Hill to assist with trails and the naturalization of this municipal park on lands that include part of the provincially significant Rouge River Headwater Wetland
Complex.

New amenities including trail upgrades, pedestrian bridge, lighting, and observation areas help to integrate wildlife and human uses of the park. The result is a relaxing retreat where users can enjoy a peaceful stroll and commune with nature.

This project won the Parks and Recreation Ontario Excellence in Design Award and subsequently received recognition of the award from the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects.