Something that came to me recently in the early hours was – we need a makerspace in Watonga.
Makespace is a collaborative community driven workspace where people can go to create, learn and share ideas and use shared tools.
For example, someone came to me about making – sewing – a heat suppressor for an automatic rifle. I said we could figure it out until the conversation turned to layering Kevlar into the product. That’s when I pulled the plug because my domestic sewing machine isn’t going to handle Kevlar. I explained it would probably require a commercial machine and even used those tend to be pricey. Cost prohibitive.
And this person didn’t want to make a zillion of the covers, just a few dozen. He didn’t want to buy a cheapo from China, either. Made in Watonga, Oklahoma was what he was looking for.
The Redheaded Stranger would like to turn bowls but doesn’t have room for a wood lathe.
I am sure there are many residents who would use a 3-D printer, kiln or a commercial kitchen with ovens for baking cakes for sale.
The thing about a makerspace is it can be whatever the community wants it to be. Woodworkers, bladesmiths, cooks, any kind of crafter or artisan could use the equipment and share ideas to move them toward their own workshop someday.
There had been talk of a business incubator here. It has been a minute so not everyone may remember. An incubator, though, is more for someone who is ready to take that next step in developing a business, they just need an inexpensive space to get started, maybe with help on the deposits and such.
This isn’t that. This is for the folks who want to make half a dozen heat suppressors or turn a couple of bowls to see if they want to turn three bowls a day. They might like to try throwing pottery, but outside of taking a course, how do you find out without remodeling your home and taking a loan for equipment?
While I was thinking all these great thoughts I also pondered on where such a space might be located and who might be good partners. I had a few ideas, like partnering with the city, the school system and CTTC. I am not suggesting the city foot the bill, or that the school system buy a bunch of expensive equipment. Once we have a space, we can figure out how to pay for the tools. Maybe we could find a grant or buy used, maybe we could be in line for equipment donations from other places that have developed a makerspace a while back and are ready to replace their equipment with newer models. Where there is a will, there’s a way. “I can’t” never could.
What if the old clinic could be used for a space? The city owns it and it is empty at the moment. What about using part of the old middle school or the old city hall? Parts of those buildings are empty. Maybe CTTC could help find the basic equipment, or retrofit some of the electrical system so that the buildings are up to code for the intended use? The students in the electrical program might need a place to practice.
The idea here is that yes, we need more industry to come here, little manufacturers and shops that employ 10 or 30 or 50 people. Places like Flying W. Yes, we need restaurants and food trucks. But those needs are bolstered by making this a place where creators and artists and craftsmen live and work. And a creative space will build on the good done by having an exemplary school system. Some people move here because of the schools. Those same parents want a place for their children and themselves to learn and create outside the classroom.
By looking toward what makes life in a small town great, looking beyond the necessities like a place to live and a place to work, we are looking at producing a well-rounded hometown that can be populated and enjoyed by more than just the people who were born and raised here. We are looking at a place people move to and adopt as their own. When that happens, we all benefit.