The Libraries and Learning Commons team at Niagara College are expanding access to recreation and wellness resources through a new collaborative project with Athletics and Student Engagement. Led by Geoff Brown, Library Facilitator at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on the-Lake and Kent Reynolds, Library Technician, the initiative introduces a Special Collection of sports and fitness equipment available to students and employees at both the Welland Campus and the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Designed to make recreational and fitness resources more visible and accessible, the collection allows members of the Niagara College community to browse, request, and borrow a wide range of equipment through the Libraries and Learning Commons Special Collections catalogue.
The project began when Athletics reached out to the Libraries and Learning Commons for support.
“Jenna Wilson (Campus Recreation Coordinator) approached us a few months ago about assisting with two projects,” said Brown. “The first project was to provide students and staff with a clear view of what recreational athletics equipment could be borrowed for events or personal use on any given day. The second was to host and store videos created by the Athletics and Student Engagement team, which serve as instructional complements to the fitness equipment at both campuses.”
Following several collaborative meetings focused on formatting and presentation, the team developed a Special Collection that meets the operational and instructional needs of Athletics while remaining intuitive for users.
“The Libraries and Learning Commons were happy to support this initiative, and after a few meetings regarding formatting and presentation, we were able to create a Special Collection that fits their needs,” Brown added.
The Special Collection includes equipment for both group recreation and individual fitness activities. Items range from popular group games such as spikeball, cornhole, and ladder toss, to individual training tools including fitness hurdles, sports cones, pilons, and more.
“This initiative is a great way for students, staff, and the broader Niagara College community to try out different sports, discover new activities, and stay healthy and active,” said Jenna Wilson, Campus Recreation Coordinator. “By making equipment more accessible, we’re removing barriers and encouraging more people to participate in recreation and wellness on campus.”
To borrow sports and fitness equipment from the Athletics Department, students and employees must complete the request form located within each item’s catalogue record. Requests should be submitted at least two business days in advance and are subject to approval. Approved equipment must be picked up and returned during designated operational hours at the Fitness Centre facilities.
In addition to physical equipment, the Libraries and Learning Commons have uploaded a series of instructional videos created by the Athletics Department. These videos act as a practical complement to the equipment, helping users understand proper use and technique.
The videos have been organized into two subcollections, cardio and resistance, making them easy to navigate. All videos include transcripts to support closed captioning and accessibility, and they are available to the public.
The Special Collection reflects the Libraries and Learning Commons’ ongoing commitment to collaboration and innovative resource sharing across Niagara College.
Faculty, departments, or teams interested in developing a Special Collections project of their own are encouraged to reach out to the Libraries and Learning Commons at [email protected].
Through partnerships like this one, Niagara College continues to enhance student and employee access to resources that support learning, wellness, and campus engagement.
To browse what fitness equipment is available through the Special Collection, click the links below:
Welland Campus
Daniel J. Patterson Campus
