To make sure their upcoming sharing stations truly meet local needs, the City of Sint-Niklaas has been out in the community gathering insights from future users.
Asking before sharing
Ahead of the launch of three sport sharing stations on July 9th, the project team spent several sunny afternoons at the Witte Molen multi-sport area speaking with young people, athletes, and local residents. The goal was simple but important: to understand what kinds of sports and play equipment people would actually want to borrow. By meeting residents where they already spend time, the team created a friendly, open space for discussion and ideas.
They also reached out to elderly citizens from nearby assisted living homes, making sure the new sharing stations would be accessible and appealing to everyone—not only to active young people, but also to older residents who may wish to borrow light fitness or leisure equipment. This inclusive approach reflects the city’s broader commitment to designing public services that bring generations together.
In total, around 100 citizens shared their ideas and preferences for the types of equipment they’d like to borrow rather than buy. Suggestions included a mix of items for individual exercise, team sports, and outdoor recreation. Each contribution helps ensure the final selection will meet real community needs. The feedback gathered during these sessions will directly shape what’s included when the stations open next month, giving residents a sense of ownership and pride in the project.
Expanding the Sharing Model
After summer, Sint-Niklaas plans to expand the initiative by launching two multipurpose sharing stations that will offer a range of household items, extending the idea of shared use beyond sport and recreation. This next step demonstrates how the concept of borrowing rather than buying can be applied in different parts of everyday life, from DIY tools to small appliances.
By placing co-creation at the centre of its design process, the city is helping to set a strong example within the European Digital Kiosks project, showing that successful sharing begins with listening to the people who will use the system most. Through this process, Sint-Niklaas continues to build a more connected, sustainable, and community-oriented city—one conversation at a time.