One of Kitsilano’s most recognizable outdoor sports landmarks is ready for its next chapter.
The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation will host a community celebration this Saturday, May 16th, to officially reopen the renewed basketball courts at Kitsilano Beach.
The iconic courts have received a significant upgrade, including new hoops, backboards, resurfacing, and a vibrant new paint scheme. The renewal was made possible through a donation to the Park Board via the Canada One Athletic Foundation.
The celebration takes place at 10:00am at the Kitsilano Beach basketball courts and will include Park Board Chair Tom Digby and Canada One Athletic Foundation Chair Howard Kelsey, along with members of the local basketball community.
The Kits Beach courts have long held a special place in Vancouver’s basketball scene. Built by the Park Board in the 1970s, they are considered among North America’s most high-profile municipal courts, alongside Rucker Park in New York and Venice Beach in California. Over the decades, multiple Canadian Olympians have played and trained there.
“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 Digby. “Thanks to this generous donation, the courts will remain a vibrant part of the Park Board’s sports network for many years to come.”
Canada Basketball President and CEO Michael Bartlett said the refreshed courts reflect 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,” said Bartlett.
The renewed courts will also feature Canada Basketball logos, a detail supported by Kelsey, a two-time Olympian with deep ties to Kits Beach.
Gord Herbert, head coach of Canada’s men’s basketball team for the LA 2028 Olympic cycle, called the idea “amazing,” adding: “I’m so proud to be a Canadian going for Gold.”
The reopening celebration is free to attend and takes place during the May long weekend.
