Kitchener introduces ‘Equip Sport’ equipment lockers at local parks
Posted Jul 30, 2026 12:00:11 PM.
Last Updated Jul 30, 2026 12:04:49 PM.
Free access to sports equipment and balls are now just a click away at local parks thanks to a new partnership between the City of Kitchener, Equip Sport and Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities (Jumpstart).
Mayor Berry Vrbanovic originally announced during a State of the City address that the ‘Equip Sport’ lockers would be coming to local parks. Equip Sport is an equipment access app that offers free, self-service access to physical sports equipment nationwide. Each locker contains a mix of equipment for three different sports including basketballs, soccer balls, frisbees, and other general fitness gear.
The new rollout will bring 30 new lockers to Kitchener, which Vrbanovic says will help enhance access to physical activity and the camaderie that sports brings.
“As people age, some of their favourite childhood summer memories come from playing pick-up games with friends in parks in Kitchener and everywhere” says Vrbanovic. “Whether you’re a kid or a kid at heart, every resident deserves the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of sport and play, regardless of their financial circumstances.”
Canadian Tire Jumpstart will provide the primary funding for the new lockers, as a part of the organization’s stated mission to enable “lifelong success for kids and youth by removing financial, physical and systemic barriers to sport and play.” Marco Di Buono, President of Jumpstart said of the announcement:
“Sport has the power to bring kids and communities together, but only if the door is open to everyone. Together with the City of Kitchener and Equip Sport, we’re empowering youth through sport by creating free access to equipment in neighbourhood parks, so more kids and families can play, connect and build community.”
Charmaine Crooks, five-time Olympian and Canadian ambassador for Equip Sport said of the program:
“Every child deserves the chance to discover the joy of sport. We’re proud to partner with the City of Kitchener and Canadian Tire Jumpstart to bring free sports equipment to 30 neighbourhood parks, creating a new kind of public infrastructure that makes play as accessible as the park itself. By placing equipment where families already gather, play and connect, we’re helping more children build healthy, active habits that last a lifetime.”
Locker location
City officials say each location for the lockers was chosen to “reflect community interests, park amenities and support equitable access to equipment across Kitchener”. The city also says usage data will be gathered to help determine additional equipment needs and locations for possible future lockers.
The new Equip Sport lockers can be found in 30 locations including Budd Park, Centerville Chicopee, McLennan Park and Victoria Park. To see the full list of locations and the specific sports equipment available at each, check out the “Free to Play” page on the City of Kitchener website.
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