BoxUp comes to east London

An innovative new outdoor locker scheme lending visitors to Lee Valley Ice Centre, Leyton Marsh and Walthamstow Marshes free sports equipment to use launches today (27 May).

The solar powered BoxUp storage locker contains sustainable sport and leisure equipment which can be accessed for free using a smartphone and the BoxUp app.

With a grant from The London Marathon Foundation, Lee Valley Regional Park Authority has installed east London’s first BoxUp locker – only the third in the UK - at the entrance to Leyton Marsh, which offers acres of space for people to exercise, play and be active.

Badminton, spikeball and pétanque sets plus a kettlebell, dumbbells and exercise equipment to support coordination are all available to borrow in six individual lockers – just in time for summer.

The Swiss made locker facility – only the second of its kind in London and third in the UK - provides more opportunities for people to explore this part of the 26 mile long Lee Valley Regional Park and, at no cost to visitors, help make enjoying time in the park even more accessible.

The installation of the BoxUp locker is expected to encourage a wide range of people, including those from under-served communities, to be more active. Its arrival also supports the ongoing activities organised by local partners including Our Parks in Leyton Marshes. These inclusive and accessible sessions are aimed at inactive adults.

Lee Valley Regional Park Authority Corporate Director Dan Buck said: “We want more people to enjoy the benefits of the park’s wonderful green spaces in urban east London so are always striving to provide new reasons to visit. This innovative new facility is free to use, making it an accessible way to be active and have fun. It’s positioning next to Lee Valley Ice Centre will hopefully tempt some of its hundreds of thousands of visitors to explore the surrounding open spaces.”

BoxUp is a simple yet innovative way to get people active, whether exercising alone, or playing with friends and family. There’s a range of activities to suit all ages and abilities and it’s a good way to encourage people to come and spend time in this incredible green space in urban East London and try new activities.

“We’re delighted to be the first to bring BoxUp to east London but its success in other countries undoubtedly means it’ll be available in other areas soon,” added Dan Buck.