Jumpstart Inclusive Multi Sport Court Coming to Yarmouth

Wednesday, May 15, 2024 - Yarmouth, N.S. – The Town of Yarmouth, the Municipality of the District of Yarmouth, and the Municipality of the District of Argyle, today revealed plans to build an inclusive play space in partnership with Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities (Jumpstart).

Uniquely designed to meet the needs of the community, the new Jumpstart Inclusive Multi Sport Court will include barrier-free access and enhanced visibility, as well as provide room for accessible and standard sports such as basketball, sitting volleyball, pickleball and wheelchair tennis. As an extension of Jumpstart’s national Inclusive Play Program, the Jumpstart Inclusive Multi Sport Court will ensure that kids of all abilities in the Yarmouth community can participate in both organized sport and casual play.

As a cost-sharing agreement with the support of all three municipalities, the Jumpstart Inclusive Multi Sport Court will be built on the northwest corner of the Mariners Centre property, where Starrs Road meets Jody Shelley Drive. A construction tender will be issued this summer, and a project timeline with more details will soon follow.

"The Municipality of Argyle is proud to invest in our community's recreation infrastructure in partnership with Jumpstart,” said Argyle Warden, Danny Muise. “This investment reflects our commitment to ensuring that all youths and adults have the opportunity to participate in sports and recreational activities without barriers. By joining together with Jumpstart, we are empowering our residents to stay active, healthy, and engaged in our community.”

“The addition of this court system to the Mariners Centre, complementing the rinks, splash park, and upcoming aquatics facility, is an incredibly exciting announcement for our community!” said Municipality of Yarmouth Warden, John Cunningham. “Having an accessible and inclusive spot for toddlers to seniors of all abilities to participate in sport is important to our Council, and we look forward to welcoming people from the area and beyond to use the new courts!”

"Thank you to Jumpstart for believing in this community and understanding the importance of what this wonderful opportunity will provide our residents,” said Town of Yarmouth Mayor Pam Mood. “As we move closer to the groundbreaking for the Mariners Centre expansion, we are beyond fortunate to be able to add this fun, inclusive and accessible space to the grounds. This court will help attract professionals and families, add to the recreation campus/hub of Mariners Centre, and, most importantly, ensure ALL citizens have access to a space that will encourage community involvement and healthy living. I can't wait to see the space filled with active, happy people!" 

“We look forward to partnering with these three passionate communities to bring the Jumpstart Inclusive Multi Sport Court to life,” said Andrea Acheson, Regional Manager, Atlantic, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities. “At Jumpstart, we know that by working together, we can help build a safe, inclusive and accessible sport and recreation environment for all kids across Canada.”

"The Canadian Tire Jumpstart Sport Court has been a passion of mine for the better part of five years," said Darcy DeSutter, Owner/Dealer of Yarmouth Canadian Tire and Chair of the Mariners Centre Board Capital Fundraising Committee. “I grew up playing sports, and having access to sports facilities and I believe wholeheartedly, they are an important element for our kids, and our community. They benefit both our physical and mental well-being while promoting inclusion. I feel proud and very lucky to be a part of this addition to the community’s infrastructure."   

“We are thrilled with this announcement,” said Mariners Centre Board Chair, Linda Gallagher. “Thank you to the three municipal units,  Canadian Tire, Jumpstart, and Darcy DeSutter and family for working together to make a wonderful addition to the grounds of the Mariners Centre.  As we grow our spaces to become a true community hub, we recognize the importance of having free community opportunities for all. This space will truly reflect the Jumpstart approach of Stronger communities, Stronger Canada.”