The Morden Makerspace appears to have struck a chord with the community, with a strong turnout for its first open house Thursday night. Workshop Supervisor Duane Hiebert says the goal of the space isn't to cater only to experienced tradespeople, but to anyone willing to learn. "You don't need to be a carpenter or engineer or know how to operate computers or CNC machines, but if you have a passion to learn, the desire to learn, this is where you need to be." That message appeared to resonate with attendees, many of whom were seeing the facility and its equipment for the first time. Morden Mayor Nancy Penner says the turnout and the variety of interests represented were reassuring. "I'm just so impressed with the number of people that are here today and the interest that they're taking in various components that are here from the laser printers to the wood cutters to the equipment that's all around... It's just amazing." New resources bringing new possibilities For attendees like Robert Lapple, the appeal is being able to use equipment that would be difficult or expensive to have at home. Lapple says the CNC machine in particular opens up possibilities for people who want to design and build their own projects. "This is great. You take something like free CAD, design what you want to design, you cut out your template on here, and then I can take it home and build... For an individual, some of these tools are just too pricey to afford, so there is definitely interest in taking advantage." Barrett Plett came to check out the space partly with his son in mind, saying his son enjoys making things but doesn't have access to equipment like a 3D printer or CNC machine at home. "I think it's a really neat opportunity for the community... I'd like to be more creative." Plett says access outside regular workday hours could make the facility more useful for people who work during the day. "That feels like it is not convenient... I think making it available in evenings or weekends would be useful for a lot of non-seniors." Related stories: Morden Makerspace hosting first open house Thursday New Gretna location to help Clover Creek Learning Centre reach more families A responsive space Though much of the excitement on display was about the tools and resources, Hiebert stressed that the makerspace isn't only about access to the equipment. He said there will be workshops responding to community and workforce needs, along with more general programming that could range from tool-specific projects to small-business and entrepreneurship topics. People can also volunteer at the makerspace, with four hours of practical volunteer work earning them free membership for that month. Hiebert says volunteers could help with everything from greeting people and teaching skills to keeping the facility organized and running smoothly. "There are so many different projects that have the potential to take off, and there are so many people that will be attending the space that are sitting on a plethora of knowledge and experience, and there will be so many people in the space that are just starting with that." That community aspect was part of what caught Brian Prokopetz's attention during the open house. "Having the materials and somebody here to teach at the makerspace, it's kind of making me excited about it and looking forward to the idea of the community. I didn't realize there were so many other people that are intrigued by it." A community-led space For Carrie Friesen, program coordinator, the turnout was an encouraging sign that the community is ready to take ownership of the space. "Wow, what a huge success. Our community has come out and supported us in such an incredible way, I'm just legitimately blown away." Friesen says organizers intentionally asked everyone entering the open house to wear a name tag as part of creating connections between the people using the facility. "We're trying to build a community, and the way to build community is by knowing people's names and faces." One of the ways the Makerspace is making an effort to build that community, is by providing an opportunity for the community to give feedback on the sort of programming and workshops that would interest them through a brief survey. Hiebert says the response from the night was equally encouraging from his perspective. "I've never seen so many people in this room, so it's very exciting." The makerspace is now moving forward with memberships, orientations, tool certifications, workshops and volunteer opportunities as it begins developing its regular programming. Upcoming orientation dates are August 20th, 26th, as well as Sept 3rd, 17th. Anyone interested on signing up can do so through email and book their spot. Those who missed the open house this time can join in the next go around during the Open Houses on September 10th and 24th. New events can be found through the Morden Makerspace website and socials.