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USU Extension proposes Blanding makerspace and Monument Valley classroom; commissioners ask for outreach plan
Summary
Utah State University Extension staff described plans to consolidate offices into the Spark Building in Blanding, create a 4‑H makerspace, and open shared classroom space at the Monument Valley campus; commissioners emphasized accessibility, public notice and volunteer recruitment.
Representatives from Utah State University Extension briefed the San Juan County Commission on Feb. 3 about proposed changes to local extension operations, including the potential use of the Spark Building in Blanding as a consolidated extension hub and a 4‑H makerspace, plus shared classroom and office space at the Monument Valley campus.
Reagan, the extension presenter, said the county's original plan for a 4‑H makerspace in a partially completed Shopko/CTE building has been delayed; she described a possible swap or lease of the Spark Building in Blanding that would give the extension office a central teaching space, classroom capacity and room for volunteers to lead activities. She said some CTE tenants have vacated and that the building is currently available for repurposing.
Commissioners welcomed the idea but stressed that services must remain accessible to farmers and remote communities. They requested a public-education and transition plan that explains how residents can reach extension resources during any relocation and asked extension staff to hold an open house to publicize services and recruit volunteers. Reagan said she will coordinate open houses and community sessions and invited commissioners to participate in planning.
The presenter also described ongoing outreach projects including regenerative grazing workshops in Monument Valley, a planned soil-health workshop (Feb. 21, 10–12) and prior work on community gardens and mobile food-prescription concepts with UNHS. Extension staff asked the commission to help identify funding and point people to support expanded programming and to be included in future planning sessions with USU administration.
Next steps: Extension will keep the commission informed of talks with USU administration about facility use, will share flyer and workshop dates, and said it will involve commissioners in public outreach and planning for any relocation.
