Spark Center place for community connections
At West Central’s Spark Center, there’s something for everyone.
“It’s a great space to be creative and to connect with other people,” said Brooke Matson, the center’s director of programs.
For the toddler and preschool set, that means weekly story times led by volunteers who use puppets, song and movement.
School-age children can go to the Spark Center for homework help. Gonzaga University students are there Wednesdays and Thursdays to help with writing or any other subjects, Matson said. And, the center is available as a work place for students other days, too, she said.
The center hosts workshops for a range of ages, many in conjunction with arts education nonprofit INK Artspace, with topics like “Be Your Own Superhero,” “Snarky Greeting Cards” or “Write Into College,” helping teens with their college entrance essays. Most classes are free, but have limited spots. The center also has technology available for use, including computers, tablets, high-speed Internet, and the Adobe Creative Suite – all free.
On Saturday, the center will be using that high-speed Internet to show “Ratatouille,” the 2007 animated Pixar feature about a rat who dreams of becoming a chef.
And Wednesday, Gonzaga students will lead a Pajama Story Time, with tips for parents about how to create an avid reader. Cookies and milk or juice will follow.
Matson said people are still learning where and what the Spark Center is.
“There are so many ways they can use this space,” she said. “I’d like to see more people using us as a community space where they can just come and be.”
Kimberly Lusk
“Ratatouille”: 1 p.m. Saturday
Story time: 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays
Pajama Story Time: 6 p.m. Wednesday
Homework help: 3:30-5:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays
Center hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday
Where: 1214 W. Summit Parkway