Equip Sport lockers now available to use at City of Kitchener parks

The City of Kitchener celebrated the installation of thirty free-to-use sports equipment lockers this afternoon as they launched a new partnership with Equip Sport and Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities (Jumpstart). There are now more ways to play in parks across Kitchener as basketballs, soccer balls, frisbees and other fitness gear are waiting to be borrowed for free from 30 new Equip Sport lockers.  

Originally announced on June 9, 2026, during Mayor Berry Vrbanovic’s State of the City address, Equip Sport lockers offer free self-serve access to sports equipment. The lockers are secure, easy-to-use, and support a shared, community-driven recreation model in public spaces.  

The program is supported through funding from Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities (Jumpstart), a national charity supported by Canadian Tire Corporation dedicated to enabling lifelong success for kids and youth by removing financial, physical and systemic barriers to sport and play. In partnership with Equip Sport and local municipalities, Jumpstart is helping bring free access to sports equipment directly into public spaces, making everyday play more accessible. The City of Kitchener joins a growing number of municipalities across Canada who are committed to removing barriers so residents of all ages can stay active.  

“As people age, some of their favourite childhood summer memories come from playing pick-up games with friends in parks in Kitchener and everywhere. 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,” said Mayor Vrbanovic. “We’re grateful to Equip Sport and Jumpstart for making sports more accessible, ensuring residents of all ages can participate in healthy, active lifestyles.” 

“Sport has the power to bring kids and communities together, but only if the door is open to everyone,” said Marco Di Buono, President, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities. “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.” 

Equipment access 

To access equipment and open the locker, users 16 years or older can download the free Equip Sport app, select the location and equipment of their choice, and take a photo of the locker to open it.  

After play, users return the equipment and take a second photo. Users can rate their experience or report any issue directly in the app. If an item goes missing, Equip Sport manages replacement of the item at no cost to the municipality. 

Equip Sport locations in Kitchener 

Thirty Equip Sport lockers have been installed at the following locations: 

*Temporary location. Will relocate to Upper Canada Park in 2027

Thirty lockers available throughout City  

Each location was selected by City staff in partnership with Equip Sport to reflect community interests, park amenities and support equitable access to equipment across Kitchener.  Usage data will be used to determine additional equipment needs and possible future locker locations. 

To learn more about Equip Sport lockers in Kitchener, visit Kitchener.ca/FreeToPlay.   

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Quotes
"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.” 

Charmaine Crooks, five-time Olympian, Equip Sport Canadian Ambassador 

About Equip Sport lockers   

Founded in Switzerland in 2021, Equip Sport is redefining urban sport through free, open-access equipment stations powered by a smartphone app. The model has expanded to more than 500 stations across Europe, 50 in the City of Ottawa and 80 in British Columbia.  

Equip Sport media FAQ