After about two and a half years, Prince George’s Jumpstart Multisport Court is open to the public.
“This is our biggest Multisport court in our repertoire of spaces, so about 28,000 square feet,” said Jumpstart Associate Vice President of Operations Lindsey Crampton.
“For us really what this means is it’s just about watching these kids play, it’s bringing this to the community and watching kids play, and giving all kids the opportunity to experience play whether they’re in a mobility device or not.”
Canadian Tire’s Jumpstart Charities contributed nearly $950,000 for the project, entering into a gift agreement with the City back in February of this year.
“This project’s been in the making for about two and a half years now, and with the incredible collaboration from Jumpstart and Canadian Tire and the City of Prince George, today it’s brought to fruition, which I’m so proud of,” said Local Canadian Tire Owner Selen Alpay.
“As we look out onto the courts, and see the smiles on those kids faces, that’s why we do what we do, and that’s what’s so rewarding.”
The City also contributed $475,000 from reserve provincial grant money.
“We have a facility of a world class that can host various sports for children in need to jumpstart their love of sports,” said Mayor Simon Yu.
“The more kids participate in sport, lot less chance they’re going to get into drugs and all sort of other activities, and the facility was built and designed in such a way that encourages the interaction that we can get together as a community.”
Yu said he would also like to see similar facilities in the Hart and College Heights as well.
“If there’s investment we should do as a city, we should be investing in sports, in the arts, in the things that kids can do which are intrinsically human activities.”
The new facility on Massey Drive, across from the Fire Hall, features a full-size basketball court, a tennis court, four pickleball courts, and other casual play.
