Creating Ripples Beyond the Court

The City’s newest Basketball Courts located in Century Gardens Park have become more than a place to shoot hoops. They've become a gathering place—a vibrant, colorful symbol of what happens when a city invests in connection, inclusion, and youth.

Through a partnership between The City of Calgary, Calgary Parks Foundation and the Calgary Surge (Surge), these courts are showing that recreation isn’t just about play—it’s about creating space for people to belong. In fact, you’ll likely find them activated not just the rhythm of basketballs hitting pavement but with laughter, community energy during rain or shine, and even snow.

Will Tong, a Calgary-born athlete who developed his skills locally and now plays professionally for the Surge, is living proof of what access and encouragement can achieve. As Tong joins the Surge for their third season, Jason Ribeiro, Vice-Chairman & President of the Calgary Surge, hopes that providing access and opportunities like Tong had will spark some of the same passion in the next generation.

Starting this summer, access and opportunity will be opened at the courts in Century Gardens. The Calgary Surge will be offering free basketball clinics at the courts to youth aged nine to 17, pairing them with professional-level coaching and organizing three-on-three tournaments.

“The impact we’ll be able to create by youth simply picking up a basketball – some for the first time – and playing with others in an environment where youth are respected, cared for and emboldened to do great things for this city has been our greatest achievement over the last two years,” says Riberio. “We're honored to play a role in this.”

The biggest hope is that the energy on the courts will spill out into the surrounding streets, bringing foot traffic to local businesses, creating reasons to linger downtown and showing that community investment pays off in more ways than one.

“The courts proximity to transit and other downtown amenities makes it an ideal gathering spot for families, solo visitors, and friends looking to meet up,” say Mahler. “Whether you're practicing a jump shot or just stopping by to watch, you’re a part of something.”

Ribeiro echoes this, citing that there are many things going on in downtown Calgary in the summer. “I can't wait to see it become a hotbed for three-on-three basketball, but also to see the impact that this has after that. Who goes and frequents a restaurant? Who visits a small business?”

No matter the reason why people visit the Century Gardens Basketball Courts, they are a great way to spend a summer afternoon. And for some, they may be the first chapter in a story of growth, confidence, or even a professional career.

“We need our youth to dream. To know what’s possible. That’s why these spaces—and what they represent—are so important. They bring people together, and they inspire,” says Catriona Le May Doan, President & CEO of Sport Calgary.

When a city gives its people room to move, to gather, to play, real transformation happens with Calgarians at the center.