Redland City Council has rolled out an initiative that provides the community with free, on-demand access to sports equipment in two local parks to encourage increased participation in outdoor play.
The Council has signed an agreement with SportsBox, equipped by Decathlon, to trial the company’s sports equipment lockers at Beth Boyd Park in Thorneside and Raby Esplanade Park in Ormiston until October 2026, at no cost to Council.
“Redland City is the first Council in Australia to trial the equipment,” said Mayor, Jos Mitchell.
“We know our city loves sport, so trialling this initiative was a natural fit for our parks.
“While we already have a range of sport facilities available in our public spaces, the SportsBox equipment will add another exciting dimension to outdoor play.”
The trial allows the community to hire a range of sports equipment such as footballs and basketballs for free from a self-serve locker.
Users can download the SportsBox smartphone app and scan the QR code located on each locker to access the equipment on-demand at any time during park opening hours.
Sport and Recreation Portfolio representative Councillor, Jason Colley said the trial was great news for anyone looking to spend more time outdoors.
“The lockers have been installed at Beth Boyd Park and Raby Esplanade Park as these locations have courts and kick-about areas where the equipment can be used,” Cr Colley said.
“Free equipment hire will help to encourage participation in outdoor play and create more opportunities for residents to exercise close to home.
“Much like the developers of the TRiQ Arena activity modules, which were recently trialled in select local parks, SportsBox has received funding towards their initiative through the Queensland Government’s ActiveKIT Grants program.”
Decathlon Australia CEO, Danny Sekulich said SportsBox was “like a vending machine filled with free sports gear”.
“Our research found 73% of Aussies say cost stops them from being active, so we’re proud to partner with Redland City Council and SportsBox to help locals get outside and play,” Mr Sekulich said.
“This initiative perfectly captures what Decathlon is all about – breaking down cost barriers so everyone can enjoy the benefits of sport.”
The Beth Boyd Park locker has equipment for basketball, volleyball and soccer, while the Raby Esplanade Park locker has equipment for soccer, table tennis and basketball.
The trial will operate in the two locations until October 2026, with Council to then consider whether the lockers should be rolled out to other areas of the city.
