Jumpstart Inclusive Multi-Sport Court location selected

Second round of public engagement starts September 1

Cambridge, Ontario. Hespeler Optimist Park (640 Ellis Road) has been selected as the future location of the City’s new Jumpstart Inclusive Multi-Sport Court.

“This is exciting news as we work to expand inclusive park amenities in an existing City park for our neighbours and our children who have been left out of sharing in our amenities for far too long,” said Cambridge Mayor Jan Liggett. “Through input from the community, Hespeler Optimist Park was selected. Multi-sport courts support the City’s strategic plan to work to deliver accessible, diverse, and inclusive services, programs, and infrastructure for all ages and abilities.”

With the location determined, the City is now planning a second public information session and survey to gather public feedback on court options, including layouts and amenity features. 

The second survey is open until September 18, 2023. A public information session is slated for Wednesday, September 6 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Hespeler Arena.

In 2022, the City approved the project in partnership with Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities (Jumpstart). The approved project budget is $1,818,000, which includes the cost of the Multi Sport Court gifted from Jumpstart to the City, valued at approximately $500,000. The Hespeler site preliminary estimate is $1,109,500.

Jumpstart Multi-Sport Courts are designed to enable children, youth, and people of all ages and abilities to participate in a variety of sports and para-sports, typically featuring adjustable equipment to support basketball, pickleball, volleyball, and tennis. The space will also include barrier-free access, enhanced visibility with lighting, and high-contrast court surfaces.

Site work is estimated to begin in spring 2024, with an anticipated opening in fall 2024.

To learn more about this project and take the survey visit, cambridge.ca/sportcourt