The city is continuing to work in collaboration with Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities to build an accessible sport court in Cambridge.
The court is an opportunity to expand on the city’s commitment to make amenities more accessible for all residents.
“Through the advocacy of local Canadian Tire store owners, the City of Cambridge was approached to partner with Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities on a unique opportunity to expand inclusive park amenities with the construction of an inclusive multi-sport court in an existing city park,” Kevin De Leebeeck, director of engineering at the city of Cambridge said.
“Jumpstart Multi-Sport Courts are designed to enable kids 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 city’s strategic plan, Cambridge Connected, has put a renewed focus on inclusion and accessibility.
In September, the city sent out a survey seeking input from residents on how to make facilities more accessible.
And in April, three playgrounds, located at Gail Street Park, Northview Heights Lookout Park and Lincoln Park were deemed no longer accessible and scheduled for upgrades.
The new court has three proposed locations, Hespeler Optimist Park, Lions Can-Amera Park and Churchill Park. The final decision on the location will be determined through input from a public engagement campaign, De Leebeeck says.
The city is currently looking for a consultant to help with the development phase of the project. Planning will take place next year, with planned opening set for 2024.
“The city has recently issued a request for quotation (RFQ) to retain a consultant who will assist in design development, public consultation and site selection,” De Leebeeck said.
The cost of the court is set to come in around $1.8 million, depending on the preferred site location, with $1.3 million included in the proposed 2023 capital budget, which will be proposed later this month for council consideration.
