Key Takeaways:
- The Northwest Arena is undergoing a major expansion project, adding 5,000 square feet to the space.
- The expansion will feature a sports and STEM-themed play area for children, called The Zone.
- The Zone will include various interactive exhibits, such as a Pop-A-Shot game, a Great Race game, and a two-story climber.
- The exhibits are designed to be both fun and educational, teaching children about physics, movement, and other STEM concepts.
- The space is expected to be completed later this summer, with a grand opening projected to take place at that time.
Introduction to The Zone
The Northwest Arena is excited to announce the upcoming grand opening of The Zone, a sports and STEM-themed play area for children. John Kinder, The Zone program director, is overseeing the project, which has been in the works for some time. The expansion project has added approximately 5,000 square feet to the arena, and the crew is working diligently to complete the final stages of construction. With progress advancing quickly, arena leaders expect to have the massive expansion completed later this summer. The new space will feature a variety of interactive exhibits and play areas, all designed to be both fun and educational for children.
The Expansion Project
The expansion project has been a labor of love for the team behind it, with a focus on creating a unique and engaging space for children to learn and play. The new exhibits have been developed at an off-site location and will be installed in the new space later in the spring. The crew is currently finishing up the final elements, such as electrical work, to prepare the space for the new exhibits. Kinder noted that the development is still on track for the estimated opening time frame, and the team is excited to see the finished product. The expansion project has been a significant undertaking, but the end result will be well worth it, providing a state-of-the-art play area for children to enjoy.
Interactive Exhibits
The Zone will feature a variety of interactive exhibits, all designed to teach children about physics, movement, and other STEM concepts. One example of these exhibits is the Pop-A-Shot game, which allows kids to compete against themselves or others in a three-point shootout-style game. The game will feature leaderboard scores displayed on a four-sided jumbotron, adding an element of competition and fun. Another exhibit, the Great Race, will allow kids to test their times in a ten-yard dash, competing against their own previous times, friends’ times, and even professional athletes and animals. The exhibit will also feature slow-motion recaps of the races, allowing kids to analyze their performance and improve their skills. These exhibits are just a few examples of the many interactive and educational activities that will be available at The Zone.
Accessibility and Partnerships
The Zone is committed to being accessible to all children, regardless of their abilities. The two-story climber, for example, is ADA accessible, allowing children with disabilities to participate and enjoy the activity. The climber will also feature a range of pre-planned activities, including finding sports icons and navigating through mazes and obstacles. The rock climbing wall is another exciting feature, with hand and foot holes that light up to guide kids on a path up the wall. The Zone has also established partnerships with local community members, including teachers, administrators, and educators, to ensure that the space meets the needs of the community. A ten-person advisory committee, made up of five individuals from the arena and five members of the community, will continue to meet periodically to discuss project ideas and developments.
Community Involvement
The Zone has been a community-driven project from the start, with input and feedback from local residents and organizations. Kinder noted that the team "certainly leaned on the voices of our community members" throughout the planning and development process. The advisory committee will continue to play an important role in shaping the project and ensuring that it meets the needs of the community. The Zone is expected to be a valuable resource for local families and children, providing a fun and educational space for kids to learn and play. With its focus on STEM education and accessibility, The Zone is an exciting addition to the Northwest Arena and the community as a whole. The grand opening of The Zone is projected to take place later this summer, and the team is eager to welcome families and children to the new space.
