Mississauga Launches Free Sports Equipment Locker Pilot in City Parks
Free sports equipment locker pilot will bring no-cost access to recreation equipment at 30 Mississauga parks
MISSISSAUGA — Residents visiting parks across Mississauga will soon have easier access to sports and recreation equipment thanks to a new pilot program that will install 30 free sports equipment lockers throughout the city.
The City of Mississauga has partnered with Equip Sport to launch a 12-month pilot project designed to reduce barriers to recreation by allowing residents to borrow sports equipment at no cost through a mobile app.
The initiative is funded through support from Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities and aims to make physical activity more accessible while encouraging greater use of local parks and recreational amenities.
Equipment available through mobile app
The lockers will contain equipment tailored to nearby park facilities and may include:
- Basketballs
- Soccer balls
- Volleyballs
- Flying discs
- Select fitness equipment
Residents can access the lockers using the free Equip Sport mobile app, available for both Apple and Android devices.
Users aged 16 and older can create an account using basic contact information and unlock equipment directly from their smartphone. Once finished, equipment is returned to the locker so it can be used by others.
According to the City, there are no costs associated with downloading the app or borrowing equipment.
Heading to the park? Forgot your ball? Want to try a new sport? No problem!
This summer, EquipSport lockers will offer free-to-borrow items like basketballs and soccer balls in select City parks.
This program is another way we’re keeping Mississauga affordable for… pic.twitter.com/SxY99Dj6Ie
— City of Mississauga (@citymississauga) June 4, 2026
Expanding access to recreation
Municipal officials say the program is intended to help eliminate financial barriers that can prevent participation in sports and recreational activities.
The pilot aligns with the City’s broader goals around accessibility, inclusion and community wellness.
Raj Sheth, Commissioner of Community Services, said providing access to equipment helps more residents take advantage of Mississauga’s extensive park system.
“Providing equitable access to sports equipment at our parks makes it easier for people to get outside, get moving and enjoy our green spaces,” Sheth said.
Nadia Paladino, Director of Parks, Forestry and Environment, said the initiative will help connect residents with opportunities to be active close to home.
“Whether it’s kicking a soccer ball around with friends at a local field, playing a 3-on-3 basketball game with neighbours near home or getting a group together for volleyball, this program helps connect people to the equipment they need to be active,” Paladino said.
Lockers installed across the city
The City selected locker locations based on accessibility, transit connectivity, park usage and proximity to sports amenities.
Locations include parks and recreation areas across Mississauga, including:
- Lake Aquitaine Park
- Erin Meadows
- Huron Park
- Woodland Park
- Mississauga Valley Park
- Lakefront Promenade
- Malton Village Park
- Paul Coffey Park
- Sgt. David Yakichuk Park
- Union Park
Additional locker sites have been placed in neighbourhood parks throughout the city to ensure broad geographic coverage.
The units can be relocated if usage patterns or park needs change during the pilot period.
Pilot will guide future expansion
The City says the 12-month pilot will help determine whether the program should be expanded in the future.
Equip Sport will be responsible for maintaining the lockers, replacing equipment and covering costs related to theft, damage or repairs.
Founded in Switzerland in 2021, Equip Sport’s mission is to reduce barriers to physical activity by providing shared, on-demand access to sports equipment in public spaces.
Mississauga joins a growing number of municipalities across Canada testing the model as a way to encourage healthy, active lifestyles while making recreation more accessible to residents of all ages and backgrounds.
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