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Youth sports participation in the United States is facing a financial barrier, with the average family now spending about $1,016 annually per child, reflecting a 46 percent increase since 2019, according to the Aspen Institute’s 2025 State of Play report. In Oakland, only 14 percent of children meet the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity, far below the national average of 23 percent. In response to this gap, the Park Play Lending Library has been launched at the Larry E. Reid Sports Center in Brookfield Village, East Oakland.
Opened on July 11, the Park Play Lending Library allows families to borrow sports equipment such as soccer balls, jump ropes, volleyballs, and even board games. The initiative aims to provide accessible resources for families who may struggle to afford these items, especially in a neighborhood where parks and recreational spaces are limited. The library is currently in its early stages, with plans to expand its inventory based on community demand.
Brookfield Village has historically lacked adequate recreational facilities, highlighted by the fact that the sports center brought the neighborhood’s first public pool in 2011 since a previous one closed in 1976. This new lending library is part of ongoing efforts to promote physical activity and engagement in sports among local youth. Community members have expressed the need for such resources, as many families prioritize basic necessities like food over sports participation.
The concept draws inspiration from existing tool-lending libraries in the area, which allow residents to borrow items for home improvement projects. Maribel Lopez, who previously worked with Oakland’s parks and recreation department, recognized a similar opportunity for sports equipment as families frequently inquired about borrowing gear, particularly during the summer months.
This initiative is currently a pilot program, with plans to establish additional lending libraries in other Oakland districts based on community needs. As discussions around the high costs of youth sports continue, the Park Play Lending Library represents a simple yet effective solution, making sports more accessible to children who previously lacked the means to participate.
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