Plans in motion for a creative ‘community hub’ on the South Side

Creative machinesthe Tucson-based design and manufacturing company known for its large-scale, interactive, public artworks is building a nonprofit science garden and social club on Tucson’s south side.

Reina Preciado

The project, called Second Sky, will be located next to Creative Machines’ headquarters at 4141 E. Irvington Road, and will feature an adventure playground, event space and an immersive digital environment, featuring “machines” conceived by company founder Joseph O’. Connell.

O’Connell was inspired to create Second Sky after organizing a number of successful field trips to Create Machines. As an artist and parent, he saw the potential in creating a space where children could play and explore freely, and where parents could enjoy themselves and unwind at the end of the day.

He also saw an opportunity to create something different.

Reina Preciado

O’Connell spoke about how Second Sky will address inequities such as a lack of after-school programs, lack of public space, lack of exposure to STEM careers and the high share of single-caregiver households, and poverty.

“We just haven’t found any of those locations,” O’Connell said. “So we decided to create one based on our success over the past five years.

“You could have an after-school program here, feed your child, socialize with your peers. Then there’s homework help and stargazing in the evenings,” he added.

“There will be programs on fiscal responsibility, all kinds of things that local nonprofits want to spread the message about, but don’t have a community space where children’s needs are met.”

The designers hope to bring the outdoor concepts to fruition in the coming years. Their plans show shaded areas with engaging art, creative structures and a fire pit. One of the creative machines will be a ‘Kid Wash’, where children can wash and dry themselves with a giant air blower.

Creative machines

In the meantime, Creative Machines hopes to attract more people from the community with unique art and activities, including its own pickleball court.

Creative Machines will host regular Second Sky community events as the artists continue to build the vision. The next event is on November 16 at 5:30 PM. For more information, visit secondsky.org/news.