A new sports equipment sharing program is making it easier for Kitchener residents to get active in local parks – all they need to do is download the app. The City of Kitchener has launched 30 self-serve Equip Sport lockers across 27 parks and recreation sites, offering free access to basketballs, soccer balls, volleyballs and other fitness gear. “You select the shelf in which the equipment that you want to pull out. You scan it to make sure that there’s no damages. Pop open the locker. You take it for an hour and then you can return it. Or you can extend your session for another hour if you want to keep playing,” said Jessica Scott with Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities. The initiative is a team effort funded by Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, rolled out by the City of Kitchener and maintained by Equip Sport. The equipment will be regularly maintained through the program. “It’s a pretty low theft rate as well. It’s less than one per cent,” said Scott. “We have local maintenance partners that we work with that will come out locally and replace any missing equipment and fix any damages or just clean the locker as they see fit.” The app requires users to register a name and email address to open a locker, though no credit card information is required to rent out the gear. Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic said the program aligns with the city’s goal of keeping public spaces welcoming and inclusive for residents of all ages. The lockers have only been in use locally for two weeks but they are already a hit. “We’ve actually seen all 30 lockers used. 436 unique individuals with over 800 different activities taking place with those, which has been tremendous,” Vrbanovic said. Equip Sport Lockers have launched nationally in 350 locations across ten municipalities. “It’s removing barriers of equipment of cost. Just putting it in play spaces where they gather already. So, further creating that access,” said Scott.
