Grand Rapids Gear Library closing to public, shifting to youth focus

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A program aimed at providing Grand Rapids-area residents access to outdoor gear is shifting focus.

Starting Jan. 1, GR Outside’s Gear Library at Roosevelt Park will no longer be open to the public. Instead, it will focus on serving youth-centered organizations, it announced Thursday.

“Over the last few years, the Gear Library has had the privilege of working with the Grand Rapids community in many ways,” the announcement posted to social media says. “It has been an exciting process of learning how we can best support outdoor recreation experiences for those with limited financial resources, outdoor knowledge, or community support.”

It said it has received demand from teachers and organizations that work with kids, including after-school programs.

“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,” it said. “With this impact in mind, we have decided to focus GR Outside’s mission solely on organized, youth-focused groups.”

Kayak trips and rentals, sledding and public events will run through the Grand Rapids Department of Parks and Recreation.

The GR Outside Gear Library first officially opened in 2021 following a yearlong trial period, offering the public access to equipment like snow shoes, tents and sleeping bags. Kent County residents could borrow the equipment for free.

GR Outside thanks the community for its support as it developed Gear Library, saying it’s “a somewhat unconventional approach to promoting access to outdoor recreation.”

Youth-focused organizations are encouraged to reach out to GR Outside to set up a Gear Library membership.

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