Vaughan — The Ontario government is investing $10 million to fund the next phase of development at Vaughan’s North Maple Regional Park, positioning the site as a year-round destination for sports, culture, and recreation. The announcement, made Thursday by the Ministry of Sport, is part of the province’s $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF), which supports local facilities while driving job creation and economic growth.
The funding will go toward a new 15-acre Family Recreation Area featuring a four-season nature playground, splash pads, a skate trail, picnic pavilion, boardwalk, and additional parking. Once complete, the park will extend over 900 acres, making it one of the largest municipal green spaces in Ontario and a signature hub for inclusive and accessible recreation.
“At a time when Ontario families are facing rising costs due to tariffs, our government is proud to support projects that deliver better services for people, while creating opportunities for kids, seniors and families to stay active in their communities,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “This investment in Vaughan’s North Maple Regional Park will protect Ontario jobs, strengthen the community and create a landmark destination that will boost the local economy as it attracts visitors from near and far.”
Building a Regional Destination
The investment underscores the province’s strategy to expand sport and recreation infrastructure across Ontario while supporting municipalities with transformative projects. In Vaughan, the Family Recreation Area marks a significant step in turning the former Maple Landfill site into a community landmark.
“As MPP for King and Vaughan, I am proud to deliver critical funding to build the brand new Family Recreation Area at the North Maple Regional Park — a legacy for the next generation,” said Stephen Lecce, MPP for King–Vaughan. “Our government’s investment will improve this year-round park and build a dedicated space for families, including new splash pads, skate trails, boardwalk and a large family picnic pavilion, all set to open next year in the heart of Maple.”
Mayor Steven Del Duca described the new facilities as central to the city’s long-term vision for the 900-acre park. “The new area is a significant project in the City of Vaughan’s vision to transform the 900-acre park into a signature destination for sports, recreation and culture — and this funding from the Province of Ontario is helping to bring that vision to life,” Del Duca said. “I want to thank the province for their continued support and investment in Vaughan.”
Broader Provincial Strategy
The $10 million allocation to Vaughan is part of CSRIF, an application-based program designed to help municipalities, Indigenous communities, and non-profits upgrade or build new recreational spaces. The program is divided into two streams: one focused on repairing and rehabilitating existing facilities, and another supporting new or transformative builds.
The initiative fits into Ontario’s wider $200 billion infrastructure agenda, which includes highways, hospitals, schools, and transit projects. For sport and recreation alone, the province invests about $32 million annually in community programs such as Ontario’s After School Program, the Inclusive Grassroots Recreation initiative, and the Ontario Amateur Sport Fund.
“Sport contributes more than $7.5 billion to Ontario’s economy every year, creating tens of thousands of meaningful and good-paying jobs in every corner of the province,” the Ministry of Sport noted.
Community Endorsements
Local leaders and organizations welcomed the announcement as a milestone in the park’s evolution. Laura Smith, MPP for Thornhill, emphasized the impact on families: “This investment in North Maple Regional Park is a major win for families in our community. Investing in recreational spaces like North Maple Regional Park is about more than just infrastructure, it’s about supporting the health and well-being of families across Ontario. By creating inclusive, accessible spaces for families to gather, play and grow, we’re strengthening our local communities, and making smart investments that support Ontario’s long-term health.”
Michael Tibollo, MPP for Vaughan–Woodbridge, added: “Investing in North Maple Regional Park means investing in the health, well-being and future of our community. This project will provide families with a vibrant space to connect, stay active and enjoy year-round recreation close to home.”
The Vaughan Soccer Club also welcomed the move, calling it “a remarkable destination point.” Club representative Tony Bartolomeo highlighted the park’s evolution since the closure of the Maple Landfill in 2002. “Phase 1 was completed in 2018 that included green space, two state-of-the-art FIFA certified soccer turf fields, walking trails and public bathrooms. The park also houses a state-of-the-art cricket pitch, amphitheatre area and the soon to be full-sized Vaughan Soccer Indoor Dome,” he said. “This next phase with the partnership and investment between the City of Vaughan and the Province of Ontario will make this a remarkable destination point.”
Community service organizations echoed the sentiment, praising the park’s ability to accommodate diverse programming and meet the changing needs of residents.
Looking Ahead
With construction set to begin soon, the Family Recreation Area is expected to open next year. Local officials project that the new facilities will attract both residents and visitors, bolstering economic activity while improving quality of life.
As Ontario pursues its largest-ever infrastructure expansion, investments like Vaughan’s North Maple Regional Park highlight how recreation funding can serve multiple goals: strengthening local economies, improving public health, and creating inclusive spaces for future generations.
