The Town has over 22 kms of scenic pathways, with 12 bridges, suitable for walking, jogging and biking. They provide access for walkers, joggers and cyclists to some of the most beautiful areas in Markham. Within this project is the "Adopt-A-Park" program. This allows for increased interaction between Town staff and community groups, while giving the public a chance to care for parks.

• Adopt-a-Park
• Adopt-a-Park Funding
• Markham Pathway Maps
• York Region "Take A Hike" Guide 
• Pathways and Trails Master Plan

Imagine a park with your group's name on it. It is possible. All your group has to do is adopt a park in your neighbourhood. The Adopt-a-Park program encourages individual residents, families, businesses, schools and community groups to become actively involved in their local green spaces. The program promotes community pride through the clean up of litter, community plantings and additional volunteer work to keep our lands clean and green. A minimum of two cleanups a year makes you eligible to Adopt-A-Park.

As an Adopt-A-Park partner, your group will:

• acts as park ambassadors
• keeps your designated park free of litter
• reports any vandalism
• regularly visit your park to monitor its upkeep and report maintenance requirements to the Town at 905-415-7535.

In return for your partnership, your group gets:

• a sign with your group's name on it acknowledging your efforts
• enjoyment from great natural areas in the Town of Markham
• the satisfaction of knowing your group is helping to keep our environment clean
• appreciation from local residents, Markham staff and Town Council

In 2005, the following individuals and groups conducted clean ups, with the * indicating groups that have also adopted parks:

Adopt-A-Park Information & Forms ( 41k/6p)
This includes Guidelines, Responsibilities and the Adopt-A-Park, Event Request and Photo Release Forms.

Hello Adopt-a-Park Groups! Thank you for your ongoing stewardship for your local parks, and we have funding to assist you in making your park better!

In the spring of 2004, Markham Council approved an enhancement to the Adopt-a-Park program called Friends of a Park/Adopt-a-Park.

Your group can apply with Parks Operations (formerly Parks Department) for a maximum of $500/group annually for specific amenities within the park as approved by the Parks Operations Section. Please fill out the attached form.  Funding of benches, trees/plant material or any other amenities that meet the current standards and/or policies would be considered.  These items must be tangible park items that have long lasting benefits.

Up to $50 of the $500 can be used for discretionary spending by the adopting group for items like refreshments or other event costs, with the remaining amount to be spent on park projects proposed by the group as outlined above.

A maximum of 5 groups in each of the 8 wards (for a total of 40 groups) could receive a maximum of $500 each in funding on a first come first served basis. Each group who have or are adopting a park would submit their request prior to July 1st.

Any funds uncommitted after July 1st will be directed to group requests that may be above and beyond the five requests allowed per Ward, again on a first come first served basis.

Just to give you an idea of costs, a standard recycled bench costs $250, and a balled & burlapped caliper tree costs $250. Parks Operations would purchase and install the bench or tree on your behalf. Trees would be purchased as part of the next bulk tree order for fall or spring planting.

Tree requests must be received by March 31 for spring/summer planting, and July 31 for fall planting.

Original receipts of your purchases must be given to the Parks Planner by October 15 of each year in order to receive payment.

Friends of a Park/Adopt-a-Park Funding Application Form ( 18k/1p)
Please fax your form to 905-940-1550, Attn: Parks Planner