Hoop dreams: upgraded courts are a slam dunk with tenants

This year, a trio of TCHC communities had a chance to get their game on and celebrate some new (and newly improved) spaces to play ball.

Don Mount Court welcomes the WNBA

This September, residents of Don Mount Court couldn’t contain their excitement when the City of Toronto unveiled the newly restored Don Mount basketball court in Toronto’s Rivertowne community. This unveiling was done in collaboration with the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), Dairy Farmers of Ontario, and the Canadian non-profit organization Buckets & Borders.

To celebrate the collaboration and court unveiling, Buckets & Borders hosted an event for fans. It featured a basketball clinic for youth in the community, live music from a local DJ, and a basketball competition featuring Hoop Queens, a network for Canadian female basketball players.

The revitalization of the Don Mount basketball court involved the installation of new asphalt, backboards and rims. The court was painted by youth from the community with guidance from Buckets & Borders and a local artist. “We engaged a core group of young people in the community to oversee and steer the process so it’s reflective of what their needs are,” said Samuel Maloney-Lee, Community Services Coordinator. “It’s another way we, as community builders, can contribute and make it a positive place.” 

Select an image in the gallery below to view it.

Alexandra Park court unveiling draws some big-name talent

Also in September, Alexandra Park tenants celebrated the grand reopening of a refinished basketball court. This was made possible through a joint initiative by Their Opportunity, the PS43 Foundation, The John Tavares Foundation, Tridel, Toronto Community Housing, and the Alexandra Park Community Centre.

The official unveiling of the revamped basketball court took place at the heart of the Alexandra Park community. This marked a significant step towards enhancing sports facilities and community engagement in the vibrant downtown Toronto neighbourhood. Youth enrolled in programs at the community centre participated in activities run by Their Opportunity, practicing their skills alongside Toronto Raptors’ Pascal Siakam and Toronto Maple Leafs’ John Tavares.

“The City of Toronto has been home to me and my family, and what makes this City special is the people,” said Siakam. “This court is a place where all youth can come together to play, work on their skills, and build connections.”

Select an image in the gallery below to view it.

Chester Le community welcomes a new court

Chester Le tenants gathered in late October to celebrate the opening of a new basketball half-court in their community. TCHC staff, community partners and leaders, tenants and youth participated in shooting contests, a mini-tournament, and even got into the Halloween spirit with a costume contest.

Tenants are very supportive of the new court with the hopes of increasing community engagement, especially amongst the Chester Le youth. “My daughter plays basketball; the court gives her and other kids the chance to bond with each other instead of causing trouble” said Natalie Wright, a Community Representative.

The court is also seen as a step in the right direction to heal existing trauma within the community. Community Representative Keisha Gayle feels it will bring the community together in a big way: “It erases the dark past we have had and gives us a positive outlook for the future.”

Select an image in the gallery below to view it.