Tennis BC has launched a paid reservation system for three courts at Kits Beach and four courts at Queen Elizabeth Park to improve accessibility and reduce tension over shared court time, according to CityNews Vancouver. The pilot programme, run in partnership with the City's Park Board, aims to make it easier for players to secure court spots at some of Vancouver's most popular facilities.
Why are some players upset about the system?
Critics argue the reservation model creates an unfair advantage for players who can afford the booking fee and have access to the reservation app. Alex Cordero, who started a petition to remove Kitsilano courts from the pilot, told CityNews Vancouver that the system breaks the principle of equity that has long governed public courts in the city. "The beauty of public courts in Vancouver is that everyone waits, and everyone is okay with waiting. Now with the booking system, only those with the app and money have an unfair advantage," Cordero said. The traditional rule at Vancouver's public courts is that players should vacate after 30 minutes if others are waiting.
What does Tennis BC say about the change?
Tennis BC maintains that the reservation system reduces conflict and improves access for those who were previously discouraged by overcrowding. Henry Choi, executive director of Tennis BC, stated that unreserved courts remain free to use and that the system allows players who had avoided the area due to overflow to book time and enjoy the courts. "Even the courts we oversee, if it's not reserved, they're free. The community still have access to those," Choi said.
Did the community have input on the pilot?
Players say they were not adequately consulted before the pilot launched. Cordero told CityNews Vancouver that Tennis BC, the Parks Board, and the City did not hold community meetings before rolling out the system. Joshua Hobbs, co-founder of the Raincity Tennis Club, acknowledged the divided response: "We were blindsided by this proposal. Seeing this come through was met with quite high emotions like 'yes this is fantastic,' and 'oh no, my courts are being taken away.'"
Sources
- CityNews Vancouver: Tennis court reservation pilot draws mixed reviews. Posted June 13, 2026.
- CityNews Vancouver: Tennis court reservation pilot draws mixed reviews. Cecilia Hua, June 12, 2026.
Reported from public sources.