About the Outdoor Exploration Library
The Frick Environmental Center (FEC) hosts a collection of exploration backpacks, assistive resources and sensory kits that visitors can borrow to enhance their comfort and visitor experience in Frick Park. The Lending Library is free to all park users and available during the FEC’s operating hours of 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily. To borrow items from our library, do the following:
- Stop by the Frick Environmental Center (Daily, 10 AM – 4 PM).
- Ask the front desk to borrow an item from the Outdoor Exploration Library.
- Fill out a quick sign-out form using your phone, our iPad, or paper form.
- Check out your item by leaving keys or an ID at the front desk.
- Head outside and explore!
- Return items by 3:45 PM.
Current Lending Library inventory consists of:
- Exploration Backpacks: Curated toolkits to help you make the most of your park visit.
- Forest Backpack
- Meadow Backpack
- Stream Backpack
- Forest Bathing Backpack
- Winter Backpack (December through March only)
- Visual Assistive Resources: Observe nature up close with a selection of binoculars, monoculars, and Enchroma glasses, with a selection of straps and harnesses.
- Nikon Binoculars with harness strap
- Hexeum 4K Digital Binoculars
- Nocs Field Tube Waterproof Monocular
- Canon PowerShot Zoom Digital Monocular
- Enchroma Glasses for alleviating red-green color blindness (adult, child and fit-over models)
- Monopod (for supporting binoculars and monoculars)
- Mobility Assistive Resources
- Hiking Poles
- Yaktrax
- Rollz Rollators
- Tablets: Access QR codes in the Outdoor Discovery Space and along the Sensory Nature Trail and use nature apps such as Seek.
- Apple 10.9 inch iPad Air with protective case, hand strap and neck strap
- Apple 8.3 inch iPad Mini with protective case, hand strap and neck strap
- Amazon Fire Tablet with protective case, hand strap and neck strap
- Sensory Bags
- Sensory bags containing fidget tools, weighted neck wrap, noise canceling headphones, and other resources that can be used indoors or outdoors.
The Lending Library has additional equipment and adapters for attaching binoculars, monoculars and tablets to tripods, monopods and wheelchairs.
Please note: We are still adding items to the Lending Library. Some items listed may not yet be available.
Please call the FEC front desk at 412-586-4576 for further information and assistance with the Lending Library items. Lending Library items are first come, first served. You are welcome to call in advance of your visit to confirm that your desired item is available.
The Lending Library at the Frick Environmental Center is generously supported by the taxpayers of Allegheny County through a public grant from the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD) and funding from FISA Foundation and Clearview Federal Credit Union.
