Sports Equipment Swap A Grand Slam Success in Southold

PECONIC, NY — Every parent knows the sight all too well: A closet jam-packed with pricey sports equipment that's long been outgrown by kids on to the next team or activity.

To that end, the Southold Town Youth Bureau held its first ever Sports Equipment Exchange at the town's recreation center on Peconic Lane Saturday, giving kids and parents a chance to swap their used equipment for needed supplies.

According to Lynn Nyilas, the Town’s Youth Bureau Director, “The goal of the exchange was to provide an opportunity for our community to bring their outgrown sports equipment and see that someone else could put it good use. Kids go through equipment so quickly — they can outgrow cleats in one season.”

Many families took advantage of the day and not only brought items to donate, but were able to find needed equipment at no cost.

Due to the overwhelmingly positive remarks from the community, the Nyilas said the youth bureau would like to make the exchange a bi-annual event.

The goal, she said, would be to host an early fall exchange for equipment such as snow boots, sleds, skis, skates, ice hockey, basketball, and items necessary for all winter sports.

Next, an early spring exchange would follow, focusing on equipment needed for spring sports such as baseball, soccer, tennis, and lacrosse.

"It’s really a great opportunity for the town to host a program that benefits many families at once," Nyilas said.