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Lake Wilcox Park: parking, splash pad and visitor rules
Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada
Lake Wilcox Park has a waterfront promenade, boardwalk, playground and splash pad. Swimming, barbecues, tents and digging are prohibited.
Key information
Lake Wilcox Park has a waterfront promenade, boardwalk, playground and splash pad. Swimming, barbecues, tents and digging are prohibited. The city lists seasonal pay parking from April 1 through September 30.
On this page
Plan your next step
| Task or feature | What to know |
|---|---|
| Waterfront visit | Promenade and boardwalk, no swimming |
| Picnic | No barbecue or tent |
| Large group | Ask staff for another permitted venue |
Your visit at a glance
- Choose a permitted activity
Use the promenade, boardwalk and park facilities. Swimming is not allowed.
- Plan the group
Leave barbecues and tents at home.
- Arrange arrival
Read the parking information and follow posted signs.
Choose the right activity
The park has seating, picnic space, a playground, washrooms and a waterfront promenade. Its youth area includes a skate park, beach volleyball courts and a multi-sport court. The Oak Ridges Community Centre is part of the wider waterfront park setting.
The lake is not a swimming beach. The city identifies unsafe, unsupervised water with bacteria, sinkholes, sharp items and broken glass. Use a suitable swimming facility rather than treating the promenade as lake access for a swim.
Groups and equipment
Tents, ground digging and barbecues are prohibited. The city says these uses can damage grass, create trip hazards and block sightlines. Ordinary picnic space does not override these site-specific rules.
Groups above 25 people are not allowed at Lake Wilcox Park. Submit an Outdoor Event, Wedding or Picnic application so recreation staff can help find a suitable alternative location.
Parking and tree tour
Pay parking normally runs April 1 to September 30. Richmond Hill residents obtain a new free resident permit each year through the city parking portal. The park and parking-permit pages give different annual release dates, so this guide does not promise a specific release day.
A self-guided tree tour highlights 20 native Ontario species and is described as about 45 minutes long. Contact the onsite officer through the number on park information boards, or Community Standards at 905-771-0198 or bylaw@richmondhill.ca.
Places covered by this guide
Lake Wilcox Park
55 Olde Bayview Avenue, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada
Lake Wilcox Park is recorded as destination park in Richmond Hill. The public facilities directory records its location as 55 Olde Bayview Avenue.
The city records splash pad, combo playground at this site. These are mapped assets; seasonal opening and usable condition are not confirmed by this inventory.
- Recorded type
- Destination Park
- Land use
- Park
- Recorded amenities
- Splash Pad, Combo Playground
- Mapped land area
- 12.40 hectares (sum of inventory parcels)
The street location comes from the public facilities directory.
Sources: Richmond Hill official park land inventory · Richmond Hill official recreation amenities · Lake Wilcox Park official directory entry
Map points and address queries identify the recorded place. They do not certify a visitor entrance, accessible route or current operating status.
Useful questions and answers
Can I swim at Lake Wilcox Park?
No. The city prohibits swimming because the lake area is unsafe and unsupervised.
Can I barbecue there?
No. Barbecues have been prohibited at this park since September 1,2020.
May I put up a tent?
No. Erecting tents and digging the ground are prohibited at Lake Wilcox Park.
Is there a playground?
Yes. The city lists a playground, seating and picnic area as well as washrooms.
Which sports are in the youth area?
The city lists a skate park, beach volleyball courts and a multi-sports court.
When does seasonal pay parking apply?
The stated annual pay-parking season is April 1 through September 30.
Can residents get free parking?
Richmond Hill residents can apply annually for the free resident parking permit through the Parking and By-law Portal.
Can I bring a group of 30?
No. Groups above 25 are not allowed here. Apply for an event or picnic permit so staff can identify another suitable venue.
What is the tree tour?
A self-guided route highlighting 20 native Ontario tree species, with an estimated visit length of 45 minutes.
How do I report a park-rule issue?
Use the onsite officer number on park information boards, call 905-771-0198 or email bylaw@richmondhill.ca.
Official information and next steps
Facts checked on October 14, 2026. Seasonal conditions and available appointments can change.