The City of Mississauga is partnering with Equip Sport to install 30 sports equipment lockers in parks across Mississauga. Through this no-cost pilot program, residents will now be able to borrow free sports equipment, including items like basketballs and soccer balls, to make it easier to enjoy the sports amenities in local City parks. The program supports health, inclusion and accessibility by helping reduce cost and equipment barriers for recreation and play.

Here’s how to borrow free sports equipment in Mississauga, along with what equipment is available at which parks.

The program is supported through funding from Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities (Jumpstart), a national charity focused on helping kids and youth access sport and play. In partnership with Equip Sport and local municipalities, Jumpstart is helping expand access to free sports equipment in public spaces across Canada. Mississauga joins a growing number of municipalities exploring the model to make sport and recreation more accessible close to home.

To support equitable access, the City has selected locker locations to serve a wide range of communities and park users. Site selection considered accessibility and connectivity (including nearby transit and pedestrian routes), proximity to park amenities and opportunities to place lockers in higher-use areas where residents naturally gather to play. Units are designed to be easily relocated as needed to respond to changing park conditions or use. No additional costs for construction or adjustments to existing infrastructure are required.

Residents access lockers through the Equip Sport mobile app. The app is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store and is compatible with iPhone and Android devices. Users must be 16 years old or older to access and return equipment. To set up an account, users provide basic information such their name and contact details (i.e. phone number and email address). There is no fee to download or use the app.

Users can report issues directly through the app. All theft, damage and repair costs are assumed by Equip Sport. If equipment is not returned, the email address associated with the session will no longer have access to the Equip Sport lockers.

Equipment is provided by Equip Sport sponsors and may include basketballs, soccer balls, volleyballs, discs and select fitness equipment. Available equipment will vary by location and is based on the amenities at each park.

The 12-month pilot program

The 12-month program will serve as a pilot and evaluation period to help guide future expansion, relocations or improvements based on community use. Equip Sport co-ordinates maintenance, equipment replacement and any required relocation through its local vendor.

The lockers will be installed at the following locations:

Applewood Heights (A & B)

Lake Aquitaine Park

Century City Park basketball

Courtneypark Athletic Fields basketball

Daniels Community Field

Erin Meadows basketball

Erin Meadows soccer

Fairwinds Park

Forestview Park

Four Winds Hollow Park

Garnetwood Park pickleball