The Fishers Maker Playground is a 15,000-foot, state-of-the-art, public makerspace at the Hub and Spoke building located in west Fishers, just off the Nickel Plate Trail. We offer membership-based access to the facility, as well as a variety of programming for all ages. Makerspaces are the result of the marriage of the “maker” movement that came into its own in the early 2000s and educational “Fab Labs” started by educational facilities such as MIT. It’s a lot like a gym, but instead of workout equipment, we have all the tools and equipment to create just about anything you could dream up.
1.) Maker Playground has the equipment you need to unleash your creative side
Whether you’re a casual hobbyist, a professional tradesperson, or an entrepreneur working on a new project, we have the tools to make your dreams a reality. In addition to a professional woodshop, we have a 4’x8’ CNC router, a laser cutter with a 55” bed, a suite of Ultimaker 3D printers, laptops featuring 3D design software and Adobe Creative Suite, a full metal shop with two welding bays, and a myriad of power tools and hand tools. Want to make your home crafts pop with personalized engraving? We can do that. Have a small business and need to prototype a new design? We’ve got you. Need to provide custom millwork to your customers? We’ve got the space for that.
2.) You don’t need to be a pro to come use the space.
The Maker Playground is user-friendly for all skill levels: professional, amateur, or beginner. Our expert staff are ready to assist in multiple capacities. We like to show off our great tools and equipment, but one of the most valuable resources is our staff. With professional experience in woodworking, welding, CNC routing, 3D printing, and more, our staff is ready to teach you how to use any of our equipment and bring your ideas to life so you’ll never feel like you’re in over your head.
3.) Maker Playground is actually a Fishers Park
Fishers Maker Playground, like the NPD AMP, AgriPark, and all the other local parks that you love, is operated by Fishers Parks & Recreation, which means our first priority is creating great experiences for the residents of Fishers. It’s also why the Maker Playground is very affordable for Fishers residents. Membership starts at only $50 per month for adults and only $25 per month for high school and college-age makers.
4.) We’re helping develop the next generation of S.T.E.A.M. employees and tradespeople
We offer S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) based programming to people of all ages. From Robotics 101 classes for 8-year-olds to adult classes like 3D printing basics and woodworking, Maker Playground offers training and resources to the community to help develop the skills we need for the future. We also have a partnership with Hamilton Southeastern Schools and our very own teacher-in-residence teaching HSE 5th graders in our Maker Labs. We’re passionate about making cool stuff, but we’re more passionate about sharing the skills needed for S.T.E.A.M. and trades careers.
5.) We’re just getting started
Maker Playground began offering summer camps in May and opened for membership in July. As we continue to upgrade our capabilities and develop programming for the community, the main ingredient we are missing is YOU. If you haven’t seen the space yet, we encourage you to come tour the space Mondays from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. and talk to us about your past, present, and future projects. We can’t wait to see what you make next!
Nick Snyder is the Makerspace Manager for the Fishers Maker Playground where he makes sure machines are working and manages classes & programs! Nick loves spending time at Fishers Parks and enjoys trying new restaurants and breweries. In his spare time, he loves playing music, walking his dogs, renovating houses, and traveling with his wife Jennasen. His favorite thing about Fishers is how many activities and events are available to the community. Keep up with him on Instagram!