For the first time in Australia, residents can instantly hire sports equipment for free using a smartphone app at parks like Beth Boyd Park in Thorneside.
This exciting new service, which provides sports gear on demand using only a smartphone app, is set to run until October 2026 across two locations: Beth Boyd Park in Thorneside and Raby Esplanade Park in Ormiston.
The local launch is a significant step toward improving community wellbeing, backed by support through the Queensland Government’s ActiveKIT Grants program, which helped fund this innovative SportsBox solution.
Removing the Cost Hurdle for Community Sport
The main idea behind this service is to eliminate the financial barrier that can stop residents from playing sport. Recent research shows that a high percentage of Australians feel the cost of gear prevents them from getting active. To fix this, the Council partnered with SportsBox, a company that developed a network of clever, self-serve lockers, equipped by the retailer Decathlon.
These units are essentially like vending machines stocked with quality sports items that can be borrowed for free. The aim is to build stronger, more inclusive neighbourhoods by making it simple for everyone to enjoy spontaneous play, regardless of their financial situation.
Effortless Access with a Quick Scan
Residents wanting to borrow a football, basketball, or even table tennis bats don’t need to visit a specific shop or recreation centre. As long as they are at one of the trial parks during opening hours, they simply need the free SportsBox smartphone app.
By scanning a QR code on the locker, the unit unlocks, allowing users to take the necessary equipment and start playing immediately. This ease of use is designed to complement the existing courts and open spaces already present in suburbs like Thorneside, making exercise closer to home more convenient.
A Sustainable and Smart Initiative
This service is not just about convenience; it also focuses on environmental responsibility. The durable SportsBox lockers are designed to run on solar power, linking this local recreation project to broader global sustainability goals, including those recognised by the United Nations.
Furthermore, the system uses smart technology to track which items are most popular and when the lockers are used most frequently. This valuable feedback will help the Council and its partners determine if this boost to spontaneous community recreation should be expanded to other parts of the city after the trial period ends.
Published Date 04-November-2025
Photo Credit: Sportsbox
