What is a gear library?
The Grand Rapids Gear Library will be stocked with a broad variety of outdoor gear and equipment. From team sports equipment to camping and hiking gear - the gear library will have what you need to go outside year round.
In addition to gear, the gear library staff will be running events to help teach people to use equipment for their desired activity.
How can I access the gear library's gear?
Coming soon - The gear library staff will be bringing gear into city parks where you can use equipment free of charge! Updated event times will be posted on this webpage, or you can join our mailing list to get an email when we are coming to a park near you.
Are you a teacher or youth program provider? We offer training workshops that will prepare you to borrow equipment in bulk! Reach out to us at gearlibrary@grcity.us to learn about how the gear library can support your classroom or program.
What kinds of equipment will the gear library loan out?
Currently, the gear library has a variety of park activation equipment, hiking gear, winter sleds, and outdoor apparel and footwear. The gear library is currently in its soft launch phase, meaning that our inventory is still growing!
- Sleds and Winter apparel (coats, snow pants, hats and gloves)
- Team sports equipment (soccer, basketball, tennis rackets, disc golf, etc.)
- Yard games (cornhole, ladderball, bocce ball, etc.)
- Park activation equipment (binoculars, bird guides, hammocks, picnic blankets)
- Hiking gear (hiking shoes, backpacks, and water bottles)
Look out for our camping gear programing coming Spring 2021!
How will I know that equipment I get from the gear library is sanitized and won’t expose my group or my family to COVID?
All equipment will be sanitized in between uses. Additionally, whenever possible, equipment will sit untouched for a minimum of 48 hours before it is used again. Lastly, staff members will always be wearing masks when interacting with you or any equipment.