Basketball courts across Toronto are tagged a refurbishment priority as part of a new initiative between residential builder Lifetime Developments and adidas Canada.
The inaugural year of the Homecourt Advantage revitalization project will include renovations and creating public art at Stanley Park and Oak Street Park. Both courts will be completely revamped, including a new court surface and basketball net system. There will also be some additional landscaping and seating improvements surrounding the court.
Construction is expected to start in July 2022, with the courts being ready for public use by Fall 2022.
Two Canadian artists are partnering to enhance each project. Bryan Espiritu, a Toronto-born painter, product designer and graphic artist, will be focused on Stanley Park (890 King Street West, near Liberty Village) and Blake Angeconeb, an Anishinaabe woodlands artist who hails from Treaty 3 territory, will be working on Oak Street Park (165 River Street in Cabbagetown).
The disruption of COVID-19 inspired the Homecourt Advantage program. The idea is to provide a healthy, outdoor space where youth can be active, safe and social within their communities, and basketball was targeted as a sport accessible to all ages, background and skills.
“Not only are we beautifying two local parks, but we’re also supporting the sport of basketball and its impact on the community, bringing together diverse players and serving as a platform to increase confidence and build friendships,” says Brian Brown, principal, Lifetime Developments and chair, Lifetime Charitable Foundation. “We are grateful to be partnering with adidas Canada on this program – an inspiring and innovative brand who shares our values and is equally as committed to providing a platform for local communities to be unified through basketball and art.”
Photo: rendering of Stanley Park basketball court.
