In its effort to build a barrier-free city, Toronto has unveiled Scarborough’s first fully inclusive basketball courts, providing a space for residents of all abilities to come together and experience the joy of the game.
Mayor Olivia Chow was joined by Deputy Mayor Paul Ainslie, along with Jumpstart representatives, city staff, and local children at the grand opening on June 27.
The newly unveiled basketball courts were opened by attendees who took to the courts and showcased their basketball skills.
“The opening of Scarborough’s first fully inclusive basketball courts marks a major milestone for our community. This space ensures that everyone in our community, regardless of age, ability or background, can experience the joy of sport,”Ainslie said during the grand opening.
The three upgraded outdoor courts, made possible by an Inclusive Play Project grant from Jumpstart and a donation from Canadian Tire Dealers across the GTHA, are expected to accommodate players and spectators of all abilities.
The inclusive spaces feature wheelchair-accessible spectator seating, double-wide entryways, wheelchair friendly court surfaces, and high-contrast court markings for players with visual impairments, according to a City of Toronto news release.
Additionally, the courts will include accessible tables, shaded seating areas, and fully accessible pathways leading to all basketball quads.
Meanwhile, the creation of the fully accessible basketball courts are part of the ongoing commitment by the city to build inclusive and accessible recreational spaces, as it works to ensure that everyone may participate in “active living” by offering “adaptive equipment” in its recreational spaces.
“These new courts were thoughtfully designed with inclusivity at their core. Features like double-wide entryways, smooth wheelchair-friendly surfaces and high-contract lines for players with visual impairments ensure that everyone, regardless of age, ability or background, can enjoy the game,” Justin Hanna, director of client and business services for the City of Toronto, told Now Toronto on Monday.
“Basketball is one of the fastest-growing sports in Canada and its popularity continues to rise in Toronto thanks to the Raptor’s historic championship win, and the expansion of the WNBA. Basketball is a sport that breaks down barriers, requiring no expensive equipment or club memberships. All that is needed is a ball, a hoop and a place to play,” Hanna added.
While Scarborough celebrated the newly refurbished and accessible spaces, Jumpstart marked its 20th anniversary this year.
Over the past two decades, the organization’s initiatives have helped more than four million children overcome financial and accessibility barriers across Canada, allowing for more participation in sports and recreational activities.
“At Jumpstart, we are committed to supporting community partners to develop safe and inclusive play spaces for kids of all abilities. Together with the City of Toronto and our friends across the GTA Canadian Tire Dealer Group, we are proud to have played a part in bringing this inclusive basketball court to life at Confederation Park and continue to build strong community ties through the power of sport and play, “Stuart McReynolds, AVP, Programs and Advocacy, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, said during the grand opening.
As the new courts opened, Chow expressed her excitement about the positive impact of Jumpstart’s initiative on the Toronto community, noting the city’s commitment to equity and inclusion.
“Jumpstart has helped us continue our work in creating a barrier-free Toronto where every child can experience the joy and benefits of sport,” Chow said.
Toronto residents can also access a variety of inclusive programs in the city, including wheelchair basketball, adaptive skiing, art, dance, and more.
To learn more about accessible recreational facilities and equipment in Toronto, visit the City’s website.
