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Cultivate KC unveils urban agriculture tool library with free memberships
Summary
Cultivate KC told neighborhood leaders about a tool-lending program that lets residents borrow up to five tools for a week, with refundable deposits on higher-cost equipment and training for gas-powered tools at Ivanhoe Neighborhood Center.
Emily, Metro Farms and Food Systems Program Specialist with Cultivate KC, described the nonprofit's Urban Agriculture Tool Library and its broader programs during the meeting.
"It's for everybody," Emily said, explaining the library covers both sides of the state line and requires a free membership to reserve tools online. She said borrowers can check out up to five items for one week and may pay refundable deposits or a small weekly fee (about $5) on gas-powered tools to cover consumables such as fuel and oil. The library offers training on higher-risk equipment, including chain saws and a frequently borrowed chipper-mulcher.
Emily outlined additional Cultivate KC programs: a mobile van grocer operating in four Wyandotte County locations Tuesday–Thursday and a training farm incubator for immigrant and refugee farmers. She said the tool library is by reservation only because staff must be present to help patrons pick up and learn safe use of equipment; pick-up times are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4–6 p.m. at the Ivanhoe Neighborhood Center near I‑71 and E. 37th Street.
The presentation included practical details for residents interested in community gardening or one-off projects: an online platform to create an account, browse the tool catalog (more than 200 tools available), and make reservations; Emily said membership and most tool loans are free. She encouraged neighborhood groups to contact Cultivate KC for demonstrations and outreach.
