Metro Vancouver city to offer free sports equipment lending at parks
Surrey is making it easier for folks to enjoy its parks, as it recently announced it will offer free access to sports equipment lending for visitors.
The City of Surrey notes that 30 self-serving equipment lending stations will be set up at parks, year-round, for community use.
The stations will include equipment such as table tennis sets, soccer and basketballs, and fitness gear, and will be available at over 20 parks across the city.
Surrey noted it is the first city in North America to adopt the Equip Sport app-based lending model.
“While Surrey has previously implemented the play boxes that are used in Langley, the new partnership with Equip Sport marks a significant evolution in how we support active living in our communities,” noted the city in a statement to Daily Hive.
“The app allows users to check equipment availability, borrow items, and return items seamlessly — ensuring consistent service and improved equipment management. Unlike previous programs, this initiative also offers sport-specific equipment such as basketballs, soccer balls, volleyballs, and fitness gear — encouraging more structured and skill-based physical activity.”
In a news release, Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke added that this new program will make sports more accessible in the city.
“This free initiative provides sports equipment to all residents, helping to remove those barriers and strengthen community participation and connection. As the first city in North America to offer this innovative, inclusive program, Surrey is proud to lead the way in accessible recreation.”
Accessing the equipment is simple: download the free Equip app on your phone to unlock the box.
The free equipment lending boxes are available at the following parks:
- Bear Creek
- Bonaccord Park
- Bridgeview Community Park
- Cloverdale Athletic Park
- Cougar Creek
- Dufferin Park
- Edgewood Park
- Evershine Park
- Fleetwood Park
- Francis Park
- Goldstone Park
- Guildford Heights Park
- Hawthorne Park
- Hazelnut Meadows
- Holly Park
- Kabaddi Park
- North Surrey Sport Complex
- Robson Park
- Royal Kwantlen Park
- South Surrey Athletic Park
- Sullivan Sport Court
- Sunnyside Park
- Tamanawis Park
- Tom Binnie
- Unwin Park
Some parks may have more than one equipment box. You can find more information about the box’s locations within the parks on the City of Surrey website.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect that Surrey is the first city in North America to offer the free sports equipment program via the Equip Sport app-based lending model.