City celebrates new Jumpstart Multi-Sport Court at Optimist Park

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- Sep 04, 2026

The City of Cambridge joined Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, local campers and community partners yesterday to celebrate the new Jumpstart Multi-Sport Court at Optimist Park, an inclusive recreation space where children, youth and residents of all ages and abilities can get active, try new sports, connect with others and enjoy the many benefits of play. The celebration recognized a multi-year partnership between the City and Jumpstart that helped bring the project to life.

While the court opened to the public earlier this year, yesterday’s celebration highlighted the many ways the space is already helping bring people together. Campers had the chance to try a variety of activities on the court throughout the morning, giving community partners a chance to see the space being used exactly as it was intended.

The City has been working with Jumpstart since 2022 to imagine and build this welcoming space where people of all ages and abilities can gather, play and stay active close to home. Generous funding from Jumpstart helped make the new court possible.

“It is wonderful to see this court filled with energy, activity and smiles,” said Mayor Jan Liggett. “This space was created so more people can enjoy sport, connect with friends and neighbours, and feel a sense of belonging in our community. This is a space where everyone can come together. We are grateful to Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities for helping make this vision a reality.”

The new facility transforms a portion of the Hespeler Optimist Park site into a vibrant, accessible place to play. Designed to support traditional and adaptive activities, the space includes a full-size basketball court, two additional basketball keys for informal and adaptive play, and a second court that accommodates pickleball, tennis and volleyball. A sensory free-play area is incorporated into the court surface, creating more opportunities for unstructured recreation and exploration. Whether someone is trying a sport for the first time, playing recreationally with friends or participating in adaptive sport, the court was designed to welcome everyone.

“Recreation plays an important role in supporting healthy, active lifestyles and building strong, connected communities,” said Alix Aitken, Director of Recreation and Culture. “This new multi-sport court gives residents of all ages and abilities more opportunities to move, play and spend time together in a welcoming outdoor space. It is an exciting addition to Optimist Park and a meaningful investment in community well-being.”

The project also includes a range of amenities that help create a welcoming experience for all users, including accessible spectator seating, picnic tables, a shade canopy, LED court lighting, accessible parking and new tree plantings. As part of the broader initiative, a fully accessible washroom was also constructed within Hespeler Arena, providing barrier-free access for court users and other park visitors.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to experience the joy and benefits of play,” said Stuart McReynolds, Chief Operating Officer, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities. “This multi-sport court was designed to remove barriers and welcome people of all abilities, whether they are trying a new activity, joining a local program or simply playing with friends. We are proud to work alongside the City of Cambridge to create a space where the community can come together, feel a sense of belonging and build lasting connections through sport and play.”

The project represents a total investment of approximately $1.65 million, including a $589,900 contribution from Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities. The completed facility reflects the City's ongoing commitment to creating inclusive, accessible and welcoming public spaces that encourage active living and community connection.

Residents are encouraged to visit Optimist Park and enjoy the Jumpstart Multi-Sport Court as part of Cambridge's growing network of parks and recreation spaces. Whether shooting hoops, enjoying a game of pickleball or simply gathering with family and friends, the space was designed to help more people feel welcome, active and connected through play.

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City summer camp participants take part in a soccer activity on the Jumpstart Inclusive Multi-Sport Court at Hespeler Optimist Park during the grand opening celebration.
Wide view of the Jumpstart Inclusive Multi-Sport Court at Hespeler Optimist Park, showing basketball courts, shaded seating areas, and activity stations prepared for community participants during the grand opening event.
A program leader demonstrates a soccer activity with City summer camp participants gathered at centre court on the Jumpstart Inclusive Multi-Sport Court during the grand opening event.
ity summer camp participants, community partners and event guests gather on the Jumpstart Inclusive Multi-Sport Court at Hespeler Optimist Park for a group photo during the grand opening celebration.