New tools funded by Liiver
The equipment warehouse of the Lakeuden Elämysliikunta ry, located on the shores of Lake Kyrkösjärvi, offers a wide variety of play, sports and hiking equipment for everyone to use. Liiveri has given the association support for the renovation of the equipment warehouse. With the help of the funding, one side of the warehouse was made warmer and the versatility of the equipment was increased. Secretary of the association's board Katrin Tiittanen says that new equipment purchases include skis, snowshoes and kick sleds. Walking poles, ball equipment and headlamps have also been received. In addition, shelves were built in the warehouse, where the goods can now be kept neatly and in good order.
“In winter, skis, snowshoes and other equipment get wet, so storing them in a warm warehouse allows them to dry properly. This is important for the durability of the goods,” says Tiittanen.
The equipment storage offers the opportunity to try out many different sports. On the right is Katrin Tiittanen, secretary of the association's board.
First contact with different forms of exercise
Equipment can be borrowed not only by private individuals but also by various groups, for example in early childhood education and at TYKY days. The items can be borrowed for the day free of charge. Inexperience is no problem, as users have the opportunity to receive instructions from the staff on how to use the equipment.
Tiittanen says that the equipment store offers children their first exposure to different forms of exercise. Parents can see which sports their child is enthusiastic about, which means they don't have to buy unnecessarily expensive equipment for their home.
– For example, we have organized skiing competitions for children. These offer the opportunity to try out which forms of exercise children like. At the same time, parents see what kind of equipment they need to buy for their home. Equipment can be surprisingly expensive. Last winter was quite poor in terms of snow conditions, so buying expensive equipment for yourself may not be wise.
According to Tiittanen, providing accessible outdoor activities is one of the association's most important principles.
– The warehouse also stores wheelchairs and walkers. Due to the nearby hospital, the association is visited by many people who use assistive devices.
Information about the opportunities offered by the equipment warehouse is provided through the association's website and Facebook. Newsletters and e-mail also serve as communication channels.
According to Tiittanen, their user base consists of both casual and regular customers. New users have been gained from many immigrant groups, such as Ukrainians.
– Our goal is to enable outdoor activities in all seasons and in all weather conditions. We aim to lower the threshold for going outside, for example by organizing free and open events that allow people to get to know different forms of exercise and equipment. The events motivate people to participate, because when working in a group, the threshold for joining in is lower.
– We hope that more and more people will become enthusiastic about being outdoors and that more customers will come.
Future plans
Tiittanen says that people are receiving a lot of suggestions regarding future procurement.
– There is a lot of demand for water adventure activities. There has also been a request for a ski maintenance stand. Cycling is also very popular, so in the future, we could consider organizing, for example, bicycle maintenance and parking.
In addition to customers, the student trainees working at the association are also an important source of new ideas. According to Tiittanen, proposals are discussed at board meetings, and efforts are made to take wishes into account. Decisions on future purchases have not yet been made, but are currently only at the idea level. However, the purchase of a church boat is planned for the near future.
This article was written as part of Liiverin Eco-Acts Together project. The equipment loan service is resource-wise. It means that everyone doesn't have to buy their own equipment, but everyone gets the opportunity to try out and practice different sports. Discover the Eco-Acts Together project (link opens in a new window).