An innovative outdoor locker scheme lending free sports equipment via the BoxUp app has launched in east London.
A solar-powered storage locker containing sustainable sports and leisure equipment freely accessible through the BoxUp app has been installed by park authorities at the entrance to Leyton Marsh.
The Swiss-made locker is the first in east London and only the third of its kind in the UK, and contains badminton, spikeball and pétanque sets plus a kettlebell, dumbbells and exercise equipment and aims to encourage a wide range of people, including those from under-served communities, to be more active.
Lee Valley Regional Park Authority corporate director Dan Buck said: “This innovative new facility is free to use, making it an accessible way to be active and have fun.
“There’s a range of activities to suit all ages and abilities and it’s a good way to encourage people to come and spend time in this incredible green space in urban east London and try new activities.”
The locker was funded with a grant from The London Marathon Foundation and supports ongoing inclusive and accessible activities organised by groups, including Our Parks in Leyton Marshes.
The marshes are part of the Lee Valley Regional Park, which stretches 26 miles along the River Lee from Ware in Hertfordshire to East India Dock Basin on the Thames.
The park features 10,000 acres comprised of a diverse mix of heritage sites, nature reserves and open green spaces alongside world class sports venues, attracting over 10million visitors every year.
Buck said: “We want more people to enjoy the benefits of the park’s wonderful green spaces in urban east London so are always striving to provide new reasons to visit.
“This innovative new facility is free to use, making it an accessible way to be active and have fun.”
Area resident Lily Boothe is among those who have benefitted from the BoxUp facility.
She said: “I think it’s great as it’s helped me with my fitness journey.
“A lot of gym equipment is only accessible in indoor gyms that are quite expensive, so the locker has made exercise equipment more accessible to me financially.
“Plus the access to nature and green space gives it an extra layer of enjoyment and well-being.”
Other recreational activities at Lee Valley Regional Park include cycling, angling, walking and bird watching.
Buck said: “We’re delighted to be the first to bring BoxUp to east London, but its success in other countries undoubtedly means it’ll be available in other areas soon.”
Feature image: Adam Termote
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