New pilot program unlocks free access to sports equipment at parks

Fifty self-serve lockers are now available in select City parks.

From soccer pitches to basketball courts, City parks offer residents the opportunity to get outdoors, have fun and stay active. But to join the game you need the right equipment – like a basketball or soccer ball. That’s why the City is taking part in a new pilot program that unlocks your access to the necessary gear to play, all for free. 

This fall, the City of Ottawa has partnered with Equip Sport, a Swiss-based company providing free access to sports equipment, and Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities (Jumpstart), a national organization dedicated to removing barriers to sport and recreation, to launch free sports equipment lockers in parks across the city. 

Founded in 2021, Equip Sport’s mission is to make it easier for everyone to be active without owning equipment. They have already enabled over one million free sessions of play worldwide and are quickly gaining global recognition for their innovative model following their debut at the 2024 Paris Olympics. With this new partnership, Ottawa becomes the second city in Canada to pilot their lockers. 

Fifty self-serve lockers are now available in select City parks, offering free access to sports gear, like basketballs, soccer balls and even volleyballs and fitness packs in some locations.

Designed to be inclusive and accessible, the lockers are simple to use. After downloading the free Equip Sport app on their mobile device, users can unlock equipment for free, enjoy their game and then return the gear when finished.

This initiative is proudly funded by Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Since 2005, they have helped over 4 million kids overcome barriers to sport and recreation. Jumpstart’s support enables the City to offer these lockers at no cost to residents, reflecting their mission to remove financial, physical and systemic barriers to play.

The lockers themselves are smart, sustainable and fully maintained by Equip Sport. They are weatherproof, modular and mounted on existing park infrastructure. Locations for the pilot were selected by Equip Sport based on a set radius within the greenbelt to ensure visibility, accessibility and safety for all users. 

This pilot will help determine future expansion, which could include more lockers, additional wards and the possibility of premium equipment available for a pay-per-use fee. 

Download the free Equip Sport app from the Google Play or Apple App stores, locate your nearest locker, unlock the equipment you need and get into the game. Together with Equip Sport and Jumpstart, the City of Ottawa is creating a more active, inclusive and connected city.

NEW: Want a lighter way to stay informed? Sign up for the City News weekly round-up(link is external) newsletter for brief summaries and links to all the updates you may have missed.

For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook, Bluesky, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.