Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Makerspace topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Greenbelt Makerspace seeks operating support as membership and repair activities expand
Summary
Volunteers and board members updated council on growth of the Greenbelt Makerspace and adjacent tool-lending library, describing new classroom plans, volunteer recruitment, a website refresh and a recommendation from the review panel for $4,200 in funding.
Representatives of the Greenbelt Makerspace told the council the organization is expanding operations next year, reopening a workshop room adjacent to the tool-lending library and planning classes on safe tool use, home repairs and basic renovations.
Why it matters: The makerspace serves residents with tool access and skills training that organizers say reduce household repair costs and strengthen community self-reliance. The organization operates a tool-lending library that leaders said holds hundreds of items and is exploring ways to increase volunteer hours and social-media outreach.
What organizers told council: Mark Gordon and other board members said the group plans safety and tool-use classes, repair cafes and minor-renovation workshops. Volunteer coordinator Donna Lochner said she will expand social-media outreach to recruit younger volunteers. A board member noted partnerships with the farmers market and other community venues to raise awareness.
Review panel recommendation: Recreation staff reported the grant review panel scored the makerspace highly and recommended an 80% award in the category, which equates to $4,200 in the staff's draft spreadsheet.
Ending and next steps: Staff and makerspace leaders said they will continue to develop class schedules and a refreshed website, and volunteers encouraged residents to visit the tool-lending library during open hours for tours. The review panel's recommendation will be included in the draft budget for council action.
