The area around the Collingwood neighbourhood is notable for a number of reasons: not only is it one of the few places in the southeast quadrant of the city dominated by apartment complexes, but the parks in the area are all close together, yet separated for distinct purposes. 

Of the three within a block of one another , Melbourne is the “basketball and tennis park”, with both courts in excellent shape. There’s a small grassy field in front of both facilities, and a walking path separating the two sides, and it all works perfectly fine in its minimal space. 

A side note for those keeping score at home — you might notice it’s only the second time in the first 100 or so parks we’ve mentioned a basketball court. The reason is simple: the city’s basketball courts are generally packed, and when lots of people are in a park, they become a more enjoyable place; a place we’re inclined to say “hey, this is meeting the needs of the community, and thus is a good park!”

And basketball courts do that, because it’s an incredibly popular sport these days, much more so than, say, baseball or tennis, for which many Vancouver parks are geared towards. 

That’s mostly a reflection of the fact Vancouver was settled in 1880, not the 1980s. Still, it’s worth noting, in the broad survey we’re attempting to display here.