GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Grand Rapids residents will only have until the end of the year to take advantage of the city's "Gear Library," according to an announcement by the parks and recreation department.
The Gear Library is a free service that offers rentals for outdoor recreation equipment through GR Outside, a division of the Grand Rapids Department of Parks and Recreation.
"Effective on January 1st, 2025, the Gear Library will no longer offer its services to the general public. All current members are welcome to utilize the Gear Library through the end of 2024. If you are a member representing an organized group, you will receive more information in the coming months regarding your Gear Library eligibility," GR Outside wrote in a statement Thursday.
GR Outside will now focus on organized youth-focused groups and will begin to solely provide its services to those groups beginning in 2025.
"We have learned that working with youth-focused groups is the most impactful and important component of our program, and it is also the best way to ensure that our limited capacity is directed towards those with the highest need for positive outdoor experiences," GR Outside wrote.
The Gear Library will also no longer accept new individual or family memberships effective immediately.
However, GR Outside still encourages youth-serving groups to contact them about using the Gear Library.
Some of the outdoor recreation equipment will still be available through the Grand Rapids Department of Parks and Recreation.
GR Outside said that "Kayaking trips, $5 kayak rentals, sledding, and other public GR Outside events will still be available" through the parks and recreation department.
"Thank you for your support as the Gear Library has grown. It has been a somewhat unconventional approach to promoting access to outdoor recreation and its impact is nowhere near finished. If you are involved with any organized groups who work with kids or families, please refer them to us and we'd be happy to explore ways we can work together. Lastly, please continue to follow along on GR Outside social media, as we will continue to post stories of our impact," the GR Outside team wrote.
The Gear Library first launched in 2021 and offered rentals for things like fishing equipment, camping equipment, kayaks, sleds and other outdoor recreation items.
