We Offer the following services to our network:

• Outdoor rec outings like kayaking, hiking, and more
• Equipment rentals from the GR Outside Gear Library
• Outdoor leadership training

We'll be sharing a full program catalog here on our webpage in early 2025. 

If your group is hosting a one-time outdoor community event such as a church gathering or neighborhood association event - contact us to inquire about one-time equipment rentals. Groups hosting one-time community events may still be eligible to rent gear library items for a fee without joining the GR Outside network. 

Contact us over email to get started! We look forward to working together. 

Send partnership inquiries to: gearlibrary@grcity.us 

To join the network, your group must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Your group focuses on participants who are age 24 or younger (Including family-focused organizations).
• Must have a defined mission and leadership structure.
• Must be able to designate one or more leaders to represent your group within the GR Outside Network consistently. Representatives will be our main point of contact. They are responsible for arranging outings for the care and return of Gear Library equipment.

   

GR Outside offers free or discounted services to groups operating within Grand Rapids city limits. Groups based outside of Grand Rapids are still eligible for services at an increased fee. 

The Gear Library no longer offers equipment or events to the general public. In 2025, the program is shifting focus to meet the high demand from teachers, after-school programs, and non-profit organizations that work with youth. Our experience shows that collaborating with youth-focused groups maximizes our impact and ensures our limited resources are used where they are most needed for positive outdoor experiences.

The Grand Rapids Department of Parks and Recreation will continue to offer public kayak rentals and courses. Follow their social media or check the recreation webpage to learn more.

In 2016, Our Community’s Children led a community planning effort - with support from the Children & Nature Network and National League of Cities. The effort was a part of the national Cities Connecting Children to Nature Initiative. 

Learn more about Our Community’s Children and their work in Connecting Children to Nature

In 2019, Our Community’s Children was the recipient of the Outdoor Foundation Thrive Outside Grant, and closely partnered with the Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department to spearhead this initiative. The Thrive Outside Initiative was built on the foundation created by the Cities Connecting Children to Nature initiative. 

Read more about the Thrive Outside Initiative

In 2020, the Thrive Outside Gear Library began pilot programs and community outreach. 

In 2023, The Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department absorbed the work of Thrive Outside Grand Rapids and renamed the initiative “GR Outside”.