City of Toronto and Jumpstart unveil new accessible basketball courts at Confederation Park

This project was made possible by Jumpstart’s Inclusive Play Project initiative, a commitment to develop inclusive, accessible play spaces for kids of all abilities across Canada. (Pexels Photo)

Today, Mayor Olivia Chow, representatives of Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities (Jumpstart) and City of Toronto staff joined dozens of local children to celebrate the grand opening of Scarborough’s first fully inclusive basketball courts at Confederation Park. Attendees initiated the new courts by showcasing their basketball skills.

The newly refurbished Confederation Park accessible outdoor basketball courts were made possible thanks to an Inclusive Play Project grant from Jumpstart and a generous donation from Canadian Tire Dealers across the Greater Toronto Area. 

The three inclusive courts can now better accommodate players and spectators of all abilities with new accessible features including: 

• Wheelchair accessible spectator seating 

• Double-wide entryways 

• A wheelchair friendly court surface 

• High-contrast court markings for players with visual impairments 

• Accessible tables and shaded seating areas 

• A fully accessible pathway to the courts 

This project was made possible by Jumpstart’s Inclusive Play Project initiative, a commitment to develop inclusive, accessible play spaces for kids of all abilities across Canada. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Jumpstart has helped more than four million children across Canada overcome financial and accessibility barriers to participation in sport.

These upgrades also reflect the City’s ongoing commitment to building inclusive and accessible recreational spaces. The City is working to ensure everyone can participate in active living by offering adaptive equipment in pools and skating rinks, offering therapeutic booking options and sensory-friendly environments such as the Snoezelen Room. Learn more about accessibility recreation facilities and equipment on the City’s website.

Residents can also explore a wide range of inclusive programs such as wheelchair basketball, bocce, sledge hockey, adaptive skiing, dance, art and camps on the City’s website. 

Quotes: 

“The new accessible basketball courts at Confederation Park reflect the City of Toronto’s commitment to equity and inclusion. Diversity is our strength and that needs to be fostered. Jumpstart has helped us continue our work in creating a barrier-free Toronto where every child can experience the joy and benefits of sport.” 
– Mayor Olivia Chow

“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.”
– Deputy Mayor Paul Ainslie (Scarborough-Guildwood)

“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 & Advocacy, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities

Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture, innovation and climate action, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit www.toronto.ca or follow us on X at x.com/cityoftoronto , on Instagram at www.instagram.com/cityofto or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cityofto .