Outdoor sports equipment is now completely free to borrow in Ponte Capriasca following the installation of two new BoxUp smart locker stations.
The municipality placed the installations at two locations within the municipal territory: the playground at the sports field and near the Bosco of Crano. Both sites are frequented areas chosen to encourage children, teenagers, and residents to spend time outdoors together.
BoxUp operates as a network of smart lockers providing free access to sports and recreational gear without requiring users to bring their own equipment. A smartphone is the only requirement to use the service.
Users download the free BoxUp application for iOS or Android, create a personal account, and select a station to check available items. The application unlocks the locker directly via mobile phone, and users confirm the return of the equipment through the app after use.
The lockers contain a varied selection of gear for open-air play and exercise. Items include balls, bocce sets, badminton equipment, Kubb—a Scandinavian strategy game—and balance tools.
The selection caters to different age groups to encourage shared movement and social interaction among younger residents and adults alike. The municipal administration invested in the project to lower economic and logistical barriers that hinder spontaneous physical activity.
The project aligns with the 2023–2027 legislative program goals, which prioritize the promotion of physical activity.
Funding for the concrete realization of the project came from the Swisslos Fund, managed by DECS, which finances sports, cultural, and social initiatives across the canton. Biasca installed two similar BoxUp stations in preceding weeks, marking a growing trend across the canton.
The municipality emphasized civic responsibility as essential for the success of the service. Users must handle the equipment with care and follow the return procedures outlined in the application to keep the service free and continuous over time.
The application is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, and the two Ponte Capriasca stations are active.
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