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The expensive costs of power tools and lawn care items are well-documented. Those looking to spruce up their homes and yards can easily spend hundreds of dollars on the tools. The Urban Neighborhoods Alliance and its tool-lending library have put together a collection of tools that Springfield residents can rent for an inexpensive fee. KSMU’s Justin Lux has the details.
[Sound: Lawnmower & Weed Eater]
Keeping up with lawn care is a staple of summer. Lawnmowers and Weed Eaters are necessities. The Urban Neighborhoods Alliance’s Tool Box provides both of those and more.
[Sound: Chop Saw]
With endless amounts of saws, hedge trimmers, wood chippers, drills and more, executive director Bob Horton says the program provides an invaluable service.
“It allows neighborhood residents throughout Springfield to join for a small fee. They join the library for a year and then they have access to over $4,000 worth of tools,” Horton explains
With the economy affecting so many, the Tool Box is able to lend a helping hand to low and moderate income families.
“We have lower-priced items and we have higher-priced items. When we started this about four or five years ago we just really sat down and thought about what we needed in order to make this successful,” he says.
When Horton took over as director in 2004 he says he saw a need for improved curbside appeal in neighborhoods.
“You know, one of the biggest things when we talked to the city of Springfield, as far as code violations, is people’s yards. You know, there’s an ordinance that says your grass can’t be higher than 12 inches. Well, hopefully with two lawnmowers, people won’t let that happen,” says Horton.
Membership to the tool-lending library costs $10 to $15 per month, depending on whether you’re a part of your neighborhood association.
Those looking to rent or donate tools can contact the Urban Neighborhoods Alliance at 865-4774 or visit its website at UNAOnline.org.
For KSMU News, I’m Justin Lux.
