VANCOUVER (May 17, 2026) — The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation officially reopened the iconic Kitsilano Beach basketball courts Saturday following a significant revitalization project aimed at preserving one of Canada’s most recognizable outdoor basketball spaces.

The renewal project included new hoops and backboards, resurfaced courts and a vibrant new paint scheme, made possible through a donation to the Park Board via the Canada One Athletic Foundation.

Members of the local basketball community gathered at Kitsilano Beach for the reopening celebration, alongside basketball leaders and former athletes connected to the courts’ longstanding history within the Canadian game.

“For decades the Kits Beach courts have been an important hub for players of all levels to gather and connect through the game of basketball,” said Tom Digby, chair of the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation. “Thanks to this generous donation, the courts will remain a vibrant part of the Park Board’s sports network for many years to come.”

The Kits Beach courts are widely regarded as among North America’s most notable municipal basketball courts, alongside landmark courts such as Rucker Park in New York City and Venice Beach in Los Angeles. Since being built in the 1970s, the courts have served as a training and gathering space for generations of athletes, including multiple Canadian Olympians.

Canada Basketball president and CEO Michael Bartlett said the renewed courts represent an important link between grassroots basketball and the country’s high-performance pathway.

“Canada Basketball is deeply appreciative of the Board’s leadership and investment in revitalizing this historic space,” Bartlett said. “Seeing the Canada Basketball logo featured on the courts is a powerful symbol of the connection between grassroots basketball, community participation, and high-performance sport.

“For decades, these courts have been a place where communities connect through the game, and where generations of athletes — including multiple Canadian Olympians — have trained. We are proud to celebrate the reopening of the courts and expect they will inspire players of all ages and skill levels, while strengthening Canada’s basketball culture for years to come.”

Saturday’s event featured remarks from Digby and Kelsey, chair of the Canada One Athletic Foundation, as community members celebrated the reopening ahead of the summer basketball season.