“Equipment cost and ownership can be a real obstacle, so this initiative is about making it easier for people to access sport equipment for free, right in the parks and recreation spaces they already use,” Jumpstart wrote in a statement to the Whig. The Molly McGlynn Park lockers include a frisbee, a football, and a soccer ball, which Boehme said was intentional because of the park’s field. Whereas a park like McBurney in King’s Town that doesn’t have a field but has a basketball court,
has a locker with three basketballs instead. “Different parks might have different things… So, there was a lot of thought put into what areas would benefit,” Boehme said. Both Jumpstart and the City of Kingston said they were willing to support Equip Sport’s initiative because of the simplicity that lies in its success. “What stands out most is how simple access can change the experience of a community space. When equipment is already there and free to use, it creates more opportunities for families, kids
and youth to be active together in a way that feels easy, welcoming and close to home,” Jumpstart wrote.
Kingston parks, free sports equipment lockers, Jumpstart, Equip Sport, Molly McGlynn Park, McBurney Park, families, youth sports
Wait so it’s literally free sports stuff just sitting in a locker??
This is actually a cool idea but I’m wondering how long the frisbees last before they disappear. People can’t even leave a bike lock alone in my area. Still, love the thought.
I read somewhere these lockers get donated but then the city charges for “replacement parts” later… so is it really free or just free until somebody steals a ball? Like does it require a code? Kinda confused.
So they’re putting football and soccer balls in a park locker instead of, I dunno, fixing the playground swings that are always broken? Not saying it’s bad, but I feel like priorities are weird. Also if McBurney only has a basketball court then yeah put basketballs I guess, but what about kids that want like tennis or hockey? Seems like they’re limiting it.