Kitsilano Beach's iconic courts refreshed with Canada Basketball logo
The newly restored basketball courts at Kitsilano Beach officially reopened over this Victoria Day long weekend, marking the completion of a revitalization for one of Canada’s most recognizable outdoor basketball venues.
The Vancouver Park Board unveil the upgraded courts, which received resurfacing, new hoops and backboards, and a redesigned paint scheme through a donation facilitated by the Canada One Athletic Foundation.
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According to the Park Board and Canada Basketball, which is the country’s national basketball federation, these courts at Kitsilano Beach have attracted players from across the region for decades and have hosted generations of Canadian athletes, including Olympians who trained on the courts after they were first built in the 1970s.
They assert the courts are frequently mentioned alongside internationally known urban basketball sites, such as Rucker Park in New York City and Venice Beach in Los Angeles.
The project is described as both a restoration of a historic public space and an investment in the future of the sport at the grassroots level.
May 2026 restored Kitsilano Beach basketball courts. (Vancouver Park Board)
May 2026 restored Kitsilano Beach basketball courts. (John Coupar)
“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 Park Board commissioner Tom Digby in a statement.
“Thanks to this generation donation, the courts will remain a vibrant part of the Park Board’s sports network for many years to come.”
The renewed courts now also feature Canada Basketball branding, a move national team officials said reflects the growing connection between community courts and the country’s elite basketball development system.
“Canada Basketball is deeply appreciative of the Board’s leadership and investment in revitalizing this historic space. 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,” said Michael Bartlett, the president and CEO of Canada Basketball.
“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.”
Canada men’s national team head coach Gord Herbert said the addition of Canada Basketball imagery to public courts across the country could help strengthen national pride and visibility for the sport.
“Having Canada Basketball logos in public spaces across Canada is an amazing idea from Kits Beach’s two-time Olympian, Howard Kelsey. I’m so proud to be a Canadian going for Gold,” said Herbert, who will be leading Canada’s men’s basketball team into the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics.
The refurbished courts are expected to remain a central gathering place for local players and visitors alike throughout the summer and beyond.
These courts have received refurbishments periodically, with the last major upgrades conducted in the early and late 2010s.
Great turnout for the opening of the new Kits Beach basketball court! It was nice to see people of all backgrounds & abilities united through sport and shared public spaces. It doesn’t matter if you’re a pro or playing for the first time #vanpoli #vancouver #kitsbeach #kitsilano pic.twitter.com/JHato2ucTb
— Spencer van Vloten (@SpencerVanCity) May 16, 2026
As a former @ParkBoard Commissioner it was great great to attend the opening of the refurbished Kits Beach Basketball 🏀 Courts Wonderful collaboration between Canada One Foundation lead by Howard Kelsey and @ParkBoard Congratulations pic.twitter.com/gaT0UqsxVS
— John Coupar (@JohnCCoupar) May 16, 2026
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