Mountain Recreation/Courtesy photo
Mountain Recreation will host its first Sports Gear Swap on Aug. 19 and 20 at the Eagle Pool & Ice Rink. The swap will allow community members to access a wide variety of gently-used sports equipment for youth and adults. The community can drop off their gently-used sports equipment at the Pool & Ice Rink during business hours starting Aug. 1 through Aug. 12.
All proceeds from the swap will benefit the Mountain Recreation Foundation Youth Scholarship Fund. This fund allows the local recreation district to award $20,000 annually to youth across the valley to participate in sports leagues, summer camps, learn-to-swim lessons, and gymnastics as well as access to the district’s three facilities through annual memberships.
“Being able to enjoy sports alongside friends and learn new life skills is such a crucial component to our youths’ development. It’s my hope that through this swap, we can make it easier for any child to try out any sport they’d like to — to find their passion and their circle,” said Sheryl Staten, facility supervisor at the Eagle Pool & Ice Rink. “From hockey and soccer gear to bikes as well as camping supplies; we hope to offer a wide variety in equipment so people folks can enjoy the District’s diverse offerings year-round,” continued Staten.
The swap will be open to the public on Friday, Aug. 19, from 4 to 8 p.m. and on Saturday, Aug. 20 from 8 a.m. to noon. To keep all gear at little to no cost, the district will ask for a donation at checkout for the item(s) picked out, at the public’s discretion.
Mountain Rec will accept any sport-related gear in clean and usable condition. Weapons will not be accepted. Community members can drop off items at the Eagle Pool & Ice Rink starting Aug. 1 through Aug. 12. Donation slips will be available upon request.
Suggested items for the swap range from apparel to equipment for team sports including hockey, soccer, baseball and more, as well as gear and fitness equipment including paddleboards, weights, and more. The district asks if you are donating helmets to ensure that they are not expired.
“Everyone deserves to live healthy and active lives — that is what drives our every decision when serving our community and is the same belief driving this event. I can’t think of a better way to support our community by recycling and reusing perfectly usable gear while raising funds to get even more kids into programs,” said Anna Englehart, superintendent of recreational programs at Mountain Rec.
For more information about the Sports Gear Swap — including a list of suggested items to donate — visit MountainRec.org/Swap.