The Our London Family Courts is a community-led initiative in London, Ontario, in partnership with the City of London, MLSE Foundation, the Toronto Raptors, and local Muslim organizations. The focal points of the site are two upgraded courts in West Lions Park that seamlessly integrate basketball play, landscape seating, lighting, barbeques, and a court surface mural. ERA Architects, serving as the Landscape Architect, employed its unique collaborative design approach to co-create a space embodying the community’s vision for an inclusive space for all ages and abilities to play, gather, and honour Our London Family. These courts mark ERA’s fifth project in collaboration with MLSE Foundation, underscoring a trusted and enduring partnership.

Through a series of virtual workshops, ERA empowered local youth participants as primary decision-makers, establishing community goals and implementing their vision during the construction process. The resulting design, reflecting the community’s values and identities, aims to create a welcoming and inclusive space for communal gatherings.

The court design pays homage to Our London Family and the tragic terrorist attack that claimed the lives of four members of Our London Family. Oriented northeast to mark the direction of prayer, the court surface mural marks the cardinal directions and incorporates purple and green as a remembrance gesture. The project garnered attention through television and local media, with community members expressing delight at the shared vision’s realization. At the grand opening celebration, the community showcased a sense of ownership and shared pride in the project’s success.