On Monday, December 12, the WAWM RCS Department announced the addition of a Maker’s Space to the Recreation and Community Services Center located at 2450 South 68th St.
At its most basic definition, a makerspace is a place where you can make things. These spaces are for hands-on learning and include many different mediums and tools for unlimited creativity. Each makerspace is different which makes them all very unique. Makerspaces are a destination where learners (students or adults) can problem solve, develop skills and talents along with forging mental health through art and creativity.
“At the Recreation Department, everyone's an artist in our Maker’s Space,” Facility Scheduler and co-creator of the Maker’s Space, Jill Ponzi said. “Our physical space is called the Maker’s Space with an apostrophe because this is your space as the maker. We want you to come here and create what you want based on the materials available to you.”
The Maker’s Space is open Monday through Thursday from 9am to 7pm, Fridays 9am to 3pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 1pm. You are required to check in at the front desk when you arrive at the Recreation Center and students grades 5th and under require adult supervision. For students in 6th grade and above, you are required to leave your school ID at the front desk and you can retrieve it upon departure.
This is a shared space, so in an effort to keep it clean, safe, and welcoming for all, we ask all to adhere to the posted usage guidelines. Don’t worry though your creativity won’t be limited by too many rules. The WAWM Recreation Department wants you to have full creative freedom when you enter the Maker’s Space, but we expect that everyone else will have the same opportunity after you leave.
“We are so excited that this space will finally be open to our residents,” Program Manager and co-creator of the Maker’s Space Linda Gritzmacher said. “Bring your ideas and bring your friends and get to work. The possibilities are endless and we can’t wait to see what you create!”
Donations of materials or funds are always welcome and will help the evolution of this room. For more information on how to donate to the Maker’s Space, please email Linda Gritzmacher at gritl@wawmsd.org.
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