(Chelsea Update would like to thank Catherine Sossi for the information in this story.)
The Chelsea District Library (CDL) is partnering with the 5 Healthy Towns Foundation as part of the Project Play: Southeast Michigan SportPort equipment sharing program to bring free youth sports equipment to the community.
Chelsea residents have the opportunity to borrow various youth and teen sports equipment to use for practice or recreation.
Looking for some outdoor fun? There are large and small fishing poles for a day on the water. Need some quiet time? Kids and teens can relax and meditate using a yoga mat for some at-home yoga. Is your child looking to try out a new sport? CDL has child-size golf clubs, baseballs, basketballs, soccer balls, and more.
“The Chelsea District Library is thrilled to partner with 5 Health Towns to help bring SportPort to our community,” says Head of Information Services, Shannon Powers in a press release.
“SportPort provides kids and teens in our area the opportunity for fun and safe outdoor activities. We can’t wait to see kids enjoying the sports balls and other items out on the library lawn and in our town’s beautiful parks,” she said.
Sports balls, tennis rackets, and other simple sports equipment are now available.
Fishing poles, lacrosse kits, soccer goals, golf clubs, and other items will gradually be added to the collection. Weather permitting, CDL will offer a day of play on the library lawn during CDL Song Fest on Oct. 23 from 1–3 p.m. Come try out a selection of equipment from the SportPort collection.
The borrowing process is simple. Head to the first floor of the library to browse a collection of cards showcasing each piece of sports equipment. Find the card you would like and then take it up to the Check Out Desk and exchange it for the actual item.
Parents or guardians should be present the first time a child borrows a SportPort item to sign the required waiver. Once the waiver is signed, children may come to the library anytime during open hours to borrow an item.
SportPort items can be borrowed for up to three weeks at a time, with a maximum of three items borrowed at one time.
Items should be returned at the Check Out Desk during library open hours.
