Ada Mackenzie Park
Extension

Updates [2025-06-01]

1. Ada Mackenzie Park Tennis and Basketball Court Resurfacing [link] -- This is completed in July 2025.

Updates [2025-04-08]

1. The City has approved a permanent off-leash dog park at Ada Mackenzie Park, and the development will be part of the park extension [link]

Updates [2023-12-02]

1. An interm report of the Dog Park Pilot Project will be prepared and present to Council in Spring 2024.  Please submit any suggestions via YourVoiceMarkham.ca.

2. The Conceptual plan of the expansion will be present in a public open house in Spring 2024.  Construction is planned to start in summer/fall 2024.

Park Expansion

1. Ada Mackenzie Park will be expanded to about 1.84 hectare of undeveloped land west of the existing parking lot.

2. New park amenities include:

   • Pickleball courts

   • Washroom building

   • Shade structures

   • Off-leash dog park pilot project

3. The estimate completion is in 2025.

Off-Leash Dog Park Pilot Program

1. That a new 2023 Urban Design Capital Budget be established and funded from Development Charges (Parks Development Reserve).

2. Pilot program by City of Markham to have 8 Off Leash Dog Areas, one in each ward. This is on a pilot basis to evaluate feasibility/  till permanent installation. Ada Mackenzie Park is the one chosen for Ward 8. Residents in a 250m radius will be notified by mail. Installing signage with an overview of the program and a weblink to an online survey on Your Voice Markham.

3. Construction will be of a 6ft. high galvanized material, fenced off area separating large and small dog enclosures if possible, an enclosed forecourt entrance area, signage and a garbage can. The 0.2 hectares surface will be of existing turf that will be mowed, flat if possible and well drained. Site shall have 50m setback from residences, 10m from  roads, and 25m from playgrounds. Off site parking and access by staff. 

4. Feedback to staff will be gathered through Your Voice Markham. 4 and 12 month evaluations after completion. Attendance, usage, community feedback, compliance with regulations/safety from Markham’s Animal Services, performance, durability, staff feedback, surveys will be sources of data. 

How does a dog park benefit the Leitchcroft community?

Dogs need to get adequate exercise and socialization to minimize nuisance or troublesome behaviour.  Most dog owners let their dogs run in the soccer fields, which can get busy during early evening and weekend.  Some dog owners also run with their dogs along the pathway in the park, while other families are walking with strollers, and kids are riding bikes or a scooters.  "Near-miss" always happens in the park, when a fast going bike almost hit people/dogs, or when a dog may run very close to and almost hit people playing sport.  A dog park can help minimizing accidents and conflicts between users of the park.

References:

1. City Staff Recommendation Report (May 2023)