New Spark’d Studios location opens at Whittier Recreation Center

Posted on 5 December, 2023

Students, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board staff and commissioners, and Mayor Frey cheer immediately following a ribbon cutting in front of the new Whittier Spark'd Studios location

Today, Tuesday, December 5, 2023, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board was joined by community partners, Mayor Jacob Frey, and students from Whittier International Elementary School to celebrate the new Spark’d Studios location opening at Whittier Recreation Center!

Spark’d Studios are new spaces in Minneapolis park buildings that help young people build creative skills and career readiness through free multimedia arts programs, access to technology, and mentorship from creative professionals. This is the third of six planned Spark’d Studios locations. The other two are at Powderhorn Recreation Center and Harrison Recreation Center, with locations planned at Phillips Community Center, Luxton Recreation Center, and the new park building under construction at Graco Park.

Studio Equipment and Park Improvements

The Spark’d Studios space at Whittier Recreation Center features top-of-the-line multimedia equipment and creative professional staff to produce opportunities for youth and teens to explore their interests. All Spark’d Studios programs and equipment are free. Equipment includes:

  • Mac desktops stations and MacBook laptops with professional design software
  • An audio recording station with a digital turntables and professional sound editing software
  • Photo/video cameras, lighting kits, backdrops, and tripods
  • Green screen technology and professional video editing software
  • Gaming station with Nintendo Switch
  • 3D printer and vinyl printer
  • Guitars, keyboards, and drums
  • Artmaking materials and supplies

Whittier Recreation Center, located at 425 W 26th St., had its lobby remodeled and air conditioning installed  as part of this project. Next year a new playground and basketball/futsal court are planned for construction at Whittier Park.

Hours and Information

To start, the Whittier Spark’d Studio will offer after-school Open Studio hours Monday-Friday beginning at 3 pm tomorrow, Wednesday, December 6, 2023. Young people are invited to drop in and use the studio to explore creative projects, work on their portfolio, do homework or continue projects they began at school.

Go to minneapolisparks.org/sparkd for more information on Spark’d Studios and follow the “Browse and Register for Classes” button to view current programs offered.

Follow Spark’d Studios on Instagram @sparkdmpls for updates straight from the Studios.

Questions? Email sparkd@minneapolisparks.org.