GR Outside

Groups must have some form of formal leadership and organization. Schools and non-profit organizations will immediately qualify. Contact us at gearlibrary@grcity.us or 616-250-6652 to inquire about eligibility. 

The Gear Library is shifting focus to meet the high demand from teachers, after-school programs, and non-profit organizations that work with children. Our experience shows that collaborating with youth-focused groups maximizes our impact and ensures our limited resources are used where they are most needed for positive outdoor experiences.

Analysis of our participation data over the past two years revealed that public-facing equipment lending consumed the most staff hours but had the lowest participant numbers. In contrast, our highest engagement came from working with organized youth-serving groups.

Public events such as kayaking trips, $5 kayak rentals, and sledding will continue to be available through the Grand Rapids Department of Parks and Recreation. Stay updated on these opportunities via the Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Facebook, Instagram, and website.

Click here for the MyTurn inventory website

Click here to view a copy of our gear care instruction sheet

In 2016, Our Community’s Children led a community planning effort - with support from the Children & Nature Network and National League of Cities. The effort was a part of the national Cities Connecting Children to Nature Initiative. 

Learn more about Our Community’s Children and their work in Connecting Children to Nature

In 2019, Our Community’s Children was the recipient of the Outdoor Foundation Thrive Outside Grant, and closely partnered with the Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department to spearhead this initiative. The Thrive Outside Initiative was built on the foundation created by the Cities Connecting Children to Nature initiative. 

Read more about the Thrive Outside Initiative

In 2020, the Thrive Outside Gear Library began pilot programs and community outreach. The Gear Library then celebrated its grand opening and ribbon cutting in October of 2021. 

In 2023, The Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department absorbed the work of Thrive Outside Grand Rapids and renamed the initiative “GR Outside”. With the support of the Parks and Rec Department, GR Outside offers residents outdoor equipment rentals, educational courses, and community events year-round.

Recent Media

• The Power of Partnerships: Grand Rapids, MI has become a national leader in connecting children to nature (Children and Nature Network)
• Turning Education Inside Out (Children and Nature Network)
• Students get out of classroom and into nature (mLive)

• Gear library aims to give urban families outdoor adventures (Wood TV 8)