The final equipment lending season for current members will end on September 30, 2023.
You can find more information about equipment lending hours and logistics below.
Membership changes
The Urban Ecology Center is doing something a bit radical - something certainly worth buzzing about. We are reimagining membership and equipment access. The current format of Urban Ecology Center membership will begin to sunset this fall to make room for a more sustainable model of support, community involvement, and equipment access opportunities. Learn about this change here
We have canoes, kayaks, bikes, camping equipment, and more. Everyone wishing to borrow a boat are required to view the Watercraft Lending Orientation Video and complete and complete the quiz.
Please keep in mind: Equipment must be reserved ahead of time. No walk-ins. Watercraft rentals need to be picked up before 1 pm on the day you are borrowing the boat. To ensure that all members have an opportunity to borrow, we ask to limit reservations to once a month.
*** Only one boat per vehicle please.
Download reservation instructions
To keep your reservation on track, be sure to
review our Late Policy and Damaged Equipment Policy
How does equipment lending work?
- Reserve your equipment here. Questions about making a reservation? Contact us at (414) 626-8278 or (414) 626-8454.)
- You will receive a confirmation email with pick-up instructions.
- Make sure to watch our Watercraft Lending Orientation video and complete the quiz if you are borrowing boats from us.
- Equipment reservations should be made online and in advance. Walk-in BOAT reservations will only be accepted until 1 pm. The time to pick up and return equipment varies depending on the activity in the branch (30-60 minutes is typical). Please, give yourself plenty of time upon arrival. If you can't make it to your scheduled reservation time, let us know as soon as possible.
- Go have fun and enjoy the equipment!
- Bring the equipment back to the same location you picked up at your scheduled drop-off time and day, making sure it's in the same condition it was when you borrowed it.
Questions?
Send us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call us at (414) 626 8454
Download reservation instructions
**Due to the upcoming Washington Park building construction project, equipment lending will not be available at Washington Park. We encourage you to connect with our teams at Menomonee Valley and Riverside Park and keep an eye out for other ways to engage in Washington Park in our temporary location.
Here are some tips for success:
Reserve online ahead of time! Our items are popular and equipment goes fast – make sure you are reserving online ahead of time.
Check equipment. Check to make sure you have everything you need and that the equipment is in good working order before you leave the Center.
Ask for advice!
- Equipment is considered late if it is not returned within lending hours. This means all equipment must be returned before 5:30 pm at least 30 minutes before the building closes on our designated lending days.
- There is a $8.00 per day late fee for any equipment returned late.
- If you are late more than once, we may suspend your lending privileges.
- If you damage or lose equipment, you will be charged a fee to help us replace the equipment.
- If any equipment breaks, please let us know how it was broken upon returning the equipment.
- The Neighborhood Engagement department and Membership department will work with you to figure out what a fair replacement fee is based on how old the equipment is.
