The City of Cambridge has marked the completion of a $1.65-million multi-sport court at Optimist Park, highlighting a public-charitable partnership aimed at expanding access to inclusive recreation for children, youth and residents of varying ages and abilities.
City officials, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, local campers and community partners gathered on Sept. 3 to celebrate the Jumpstart Multi-Sport Court. Although the facility opened to the public earlier in 2026, the event formally recognized a partnership between the municipality and Jumpstart that dates back to 2022.
Jumpstart Contributes $589,900 to Cambridge Recreation Project
The project represents a total investment of approximately $1.65 million, including a $589,900 contribution from Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities. The funding helped transform a portion of Hespeler Optimist Park into an accessible outdoor recreation area designed for both traditional and adaptive activities.
“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.”
During the celebration, campers participated in several activities, allowing community partners to see the new facility in use.
The investment comes as municipalities across Canada continue to focus on accessible public infrastructure and recreation facilities that can serve a wider range of residents. In Cambridge, the project adds another outdoor amenity to the city’s existing network of parks and recreation spaces.
Multi-Sport Design Supports Basketball, Pickleball, Tennis and Volleyball
The facility includes a full-size basketball court as well as two additional basketball keys intended for informal and adaptive play. A second court can accommodate pickleball, tennis and volleyball.
A sensory free-play area has also been incorporated into the court surface, providing space for less structured recreation and exploration.
The design is intended to accommodate users with different levels of experience and ability, including residents trying a sport for the first time, people participating in adaptive activities and recreational players gathering with friends.
“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.”
Accessibility Features Extend Beyond the Playing Surface
The investment also covers infrastructure surrounding the courts. Amenities include accessible spectator seating, picnic tables, a shade canopy, LED court lighting, accessible parking and new tree plantings.
A fully accessible washroom was constructed inside Hespeler Arena as part of the broader initiative, providing barrier-free facilities for people using the multi-sport court as well as other visitors to the park.
Those additions are intended to address accessibility beyond participation in sport itself, including how residents arrive at, watch activities at and spend time around the facility.
Partnership Focuses on Reducing Barriers to Recreation
Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities has positioned the project as part of its broader effort to reduce barriers that can prevent children and other community members from participating in sport and recreation.
“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.”
Optimist Park Investment Adds to Cambridge Recreation Network
The completed project reflects Cambridge’s continuing investment in public recreation infrastructure, with the municipality emphasizing facilities that can accommodate a broad cross-section of the community.
The Jumpstart Multi-Sport Court is now available for residents to use for activities ranging from basketball and pickleball to tennis and volleyball, as well as informal recreation.
For Cambridge, the $1.65-million project also demonstrates how partnerships with charitable organizations can supplement municipal investment in community infrastructure. With Jumpstart providing nearly $590,000 toward the project, the new Optimist Park facility expands local recreation capacity while placing accessibility and multi-purpose use at the centre of its design.