Pilot program lets players check real-time availability and wait times at Summit Park tennis courts and Thomas Coates Park pickleball courts

Players heading out for a game of tennis or pickleball can now check court availability before leaving home, thanks to a new smart-city pilot that aims to take the guesswork out of finding a place to play.

The Town of Aurora has partnered with LineChecks, an Ontario-made technology company, to provide real-time court availability updates at Summit Park tennis courts and Thomas Coates Park pickleball courts during the 2026 season.

The free service allows players to see whether courts are occupied, available or likely to have a wait time with a quick glance at their phone.

“No more driving over just to find every court packed and a lineup waiting,” said Ben Pinsky of LineChecks. “Now you can check from your couch, see what’s open, and head out when the timing is right.”

Using computer-vision technology, the system monitors court occupancy and publishes live status updates online. Town officials stress the pilot was designed with privacy in mind.

According to the town, the system does not use facial recognition, does not identify individuals, does not record audio and does not store personal information. Instead, it captures anonymous occupancy counts that show whether courts are in use.

“The goal is to provide residents with a way to view court availability and estimated wait times before coming to the park,” the town said in announcing the pilot.

For tennis and pickleball players, particularly during peak summer hours, the technology could save both time and frustration.

The pilot also offers another benefit behind the scenes: data.

By tracking how often courts are used and when demand is highest, the town will gain valuable information to help guide future recreation planning and investments.

Pinsky said Aurora is among the early adopters of the technology, which is already drawing interest from municipalities across York Region and the Greater Toronto Area.

“It’s made my life so much easier and I know a lot of you will love it too,” he said.

The launch comes as pickleball continues to surge in popularity across Canada, putting increased pressure on courts and creating demand for better ways to manage recreational spaces.

For now, Aurora players can test the system at the two pilot locations and decide for themselves whether the technology is a game-changer.