Paddle, Play, Explore: New Self-Service Rentals Coming To St. Mary’s County Parks

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — A spontaneous paddle across the water. A first-time pickleball match. A family trying disc golf on a whim. Those simple moments, often blocked by the cost and commitment of buying equipment, could soon become part of everyday life in St. Mary’s County parks.

At the April 14 meeting of the St. Mary’s County commissioners, Recreation and Parks Director Ray Bivens introduced a new partnership aimed at lowering those barriers, bringing self-service rental kiosks for outdoor recreation directly into local parks.

Breaking Down Barriers To Play

Bivens framed the proposal around a familiar hesitation: Many residents are interested in activities like kayaking or disc golf but are unsure about investing in equipment upfront.

“There’s huge barriers of entry before people want to take the leap,” Bivens said, noting that even something as simple as disc golf requires a full set of gear, often for an activity someone may only try once.

The solution presented is a partnership with Rent.Fun, a nationwide company that operates self-service rental kiosks in more than 200 communities.

Through a smartphone-based system, users can rent equipment, sign waivers, and return items, all without on-site staff.

What’s Coming To Local Parks

Each paddle sports station would include multiple kayaks or paddleboards, along with paddles and life jackets, stored in secure, app-controlled lockers.

The concept is designed to align with the county’s broader investment in outdoor recreation, including the continued development of Snow Hill Park as a waterfront destination with kayaking, fishing, and nature access.

How It Works

Rent.Fun handles maintenance, repairs, and customer support, with technicians servicing equipment as needed to ensure safety and usability.

If equipment is damaged or not returned, the company assumes responsibility for replacement.

Cost, Revenue And Risk

The county would pay an upfront cost of approximately $41,000 for the initial kiosks and equipment installation.

Revenue generated from rentals would be split evenly between the county and Rent.Fun under a 50/50 agreement.

Bivens noted the structure allows the county to expand access to recreation without taking on the burden of staffing or maintenance.

Commissioners also raised questions about liability. County staff confirmed that users must sign waivers and that the company carries insurance coverage, while indemnification clauses in the agreement provide additional protection for the county.

Looking Ahead

If the initial rollout proves successful, the agreement includes options to expand kiosks to additional locations, including Piney Point Park, Elms Beach Park, and sites along the Three Notch Trail.

Bivens emphasized the broader goal: giving residents a chance to explore new activities without the commitment.

“It gives more options to our residents,” Commissioner Eric Colvin said during the discussion, supporting the initiative.

The commissioners unanimously approved the agreement, clearing the way for the kiosks to begin appearing in parks across the county.

For residents, it may soon be as simple as scanning an app and stepping into a kayak to experience St. Mary’s County in a whole new way.

Watch the rental agreement request below at 46:08.

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