Basketball courts at Kits Beach

Park Board to unveil renewed basketball courts at Kits Beach

May 14 2026 –

The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation is hosting a community celebration on the May long weekend to reopen its iconic basketball courts at Kitsilano Beach following a significant renewal.

Thanks to a generous donation to the Park Board via the Canada One Athletic Foundation, the courts received new hoops, backboards, resurfacing and a vibrant new paint scheme.

On hand to unveil the courts will be legends of the game both past and present, along with members of the local basketball community.

Event details:

  • When: 10:00 AM, Saturday May 16, 2026
  • Where: Kitsilano Beach Basketball Courts
  • Speakers: 

Tom Digby, Chair of the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation
Howard Kelsey, Chair, Canada One Athletic Foundation

The Kits Beach courts are among North America’s most high-profile municipal courts alongside those in Rucker Park, New York and Venice Beach. Multiple Canadian Olympians have played and trained on the courts since the Park Board built them in the 1970s. 

Quotes:

Tom Digby, Chair, Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation

“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. Thanks to this generation donation, the courts will remain a vibrant part of the Park Board’s sports network for many years to come.”

Michael Bartlett, President & CEO, Canada Basketball

“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. 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.”

Gord Herbert, Head Coach Canada Men’s Basketball, LA 2028 team

“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.”