On Saturday evening, July 25, 2026, the newly painted outdoor basketball courts at Martin‑Luther‑King Park in Montreal’s Côte‑des‑Neiges neighbourhood opened to the public. The renovation was carried out by Buckets & Borders, a non‑profit organization that travels across Canada restoring and building community basketball courts with the help of sponsors.
The ceremony began at 7:27 p.m. EDT, marking the official handover of the courts to the public. Local residents gathered to observe the fresh paint and to test the new markings.
The project involved a complete repainting of the playing surfaces, fresh markings, and refreshed surrounding areas, giving the courts a bright, uniform appearance. The work was completed in time for the evening opening ceremony, allowing local residents to start using the facilities immediately.
Buckets & Borders aims to improve community life through basketball, believing that well‑maintained courts provide safe, accessible spaces for recreation and social interaction. By renewing the Martin‑Luther‑King Park courts, the organization hopes to encourage neighbourhood youth and families to gather for games, practice, and informal play.
Martin‑Luther‑King Park, situated in the Côte‑des‑Neiges area, offers a range of recreational facilities, including green spaces, walking paths, and the newly upgraded basketball courts. The park serves a diverse population, and the courts provide an additional venue for sport.
The organization’s broader mission involves traveling to cities across Canada, where it partners with local sponsors to repair or construct outdoor basketball venues. Each project follows a similar model of community engagement, leveraging donor support to cover materials and labor while involving volunteers in the process.
The newly refreshed courts add a vibrant new feature to Martin‑Luther‑King Park, reinforcing the park’s role as a hub for outdoor activity in Côte‑des‑Neiges. Residents and visitors alike are invited to take advantage of the fresh surfaces, which are expected to serve the neighbourhood for years to come.