FISHERS MAKER PLAYGROUND ENCOURAGES SERIOUS TINKERING to work with their hands, tinker and be creative.”
Writer / Renee Larr Photography Provided by the City of Fishers
With the growing responsibilities of adulthood, some people lose their sense of whimsy and wonder. Fishers Parks and Recreation wants to spark that interest again with the creation of the Fishers Maker Playground. Located in the Hub & Spoke building, the playground offers tools and machines to let individuals aged 16 and older create without limits. “The idea began with the inception of the Hub & Spoke building,” says Sarah Sandquist, Director of Parks and Recreation at the City of Fishers. “The Fishers Parks Department is now based out of the building as well. We're thrilled that our space now happens to have both offices and ample classroom space to offer, rentals to the community, programming for the community, and the maker playground. which is full of all kinds of things to encourage people
The 15,000-square-foot space includes a community workshop, metal shop, 3D printing space, welding, CNC routers, a laser cutter and classrooms. “CNC stands for computerized numerical control,” Sandquist says. “It’s a manufacturing process in which you pre-program software. You would first use computer software to layout your project. Then the CNC machine executes your project.” The four classrooms are designed for STEAM — that is, science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics — learning, experiential learning and collaboration spaces. “The classrooms will be utilized to teach, train and inspire makers to craft their next project,” Sandquist says. “It will all be based on
20 / JULY 2021
