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Clermont County Park District offers free hiking gear loan program

The backpacks are available for free, but users must sign up and agree to a set of rules and regulations.

The Park District’s Free Hiking Gear Loan Initiative

The Park District’s free hiking gear loan initiative is a unique program that aims to promote outdoor recreation and sustainability in the community. By providing free access to hiking gear, the program encourages people to explore the great outdoors and enjoy the beautiful trails at Clingman Park.

Benefits of the Program

  • Increased accessibility: The program makes hiking gear available to everyone, regardless of income or social status. Reduced waste: By lending gear instead of selling it, the program reduces the amount of waste generated by disposable gear. Promotes sustainability: The program promotes sustainable outdoor recreation practices and encourages users to take care of the environment. ## How the Program Works**

    • How the Program Works

    To use the gear, users must sign up for the program and agree to a set of rules and regulations. The program is designed to be easy to use and accessible to everyone.

    Rules and Regulations

  • Registration: Users must register for the program and provide their contact information. Gear usage: Users must agree to use the gear responsibly and return it in good condition. Maintenance: Users are responsible for maintaining the gear and reporting any damage or issues. ## The Gear Available**

    • The Gear Available

    The program offers nine backpacks of varying sizes, including youth sizes. The backpacks are available for free, and users can choose the one that best suits their needs.

    Backpack Sizes

  • 66-liter bag: A large backpack suitable for multi-day trips.

    The Park District has a system in place to track the gear, but it’s not perfect. The system is based on a simple database that relies on users to log their trips and report any issues. The Park District has a team of volunteers who help maintain the database and ensure that the gear is available for the next user.

    The Gear Rental System

    The Park District’s gear rental system is designed to provide access to outdoor gear for residents and visitors alike. The system allows users to rent gear for a variety of activities, including camping, hiking, and biking. The gear is available for rent at the Park District’s office, and users can reserve gear online or in person.

    How the System Works

  • Users can reserve gear online or in person at the Park District’s office. Users must provide identification and proof of insurance to rent gear. The Park District tracks where each pack goes, allowing users to use the gear anywhere. ## The Benefits of the System*

    • The Benefits of the System

    The Park District’s gear rental system offers several benefits to users.

    “They are equipped with AirTags so that we can keep a map of where they’ve traveled to, so that we can have an idea of just how far our impact is really reaching out there with our tiny little Clermont County Park District,” Luggen said. Anyone who is at least 18 years old with an ID can borrow gear for up to two weeks. People do not have to live in Clermont County to participate in the program. Luggen says the goal is to get more people outside and into nature. “[We’re] trying to give them as many tools as they can to be able to enter the field of outdoor recreation and enjoy it,” Luggen said.

    The Park District rents the gear out of the Anspach Visitor Center in Clingman Park, 2156 US-50, Batavia.

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