'Spark' begins welcoming visitors at its new location inside the Apache Mall

2020 was always supposed to be a year of change for Spark, formerly known as Minnesota Children’s Museum Rochester. On the last day of 2019, the organization announced the name change and an imminent move to the Apache Mall. Since their former space near Glynner’s Pub closed in February, the world has changed entirely — but the goal of a summer reopening remained. 

Wednesday marked the successful completion of that goal, as Spark opened its doors to the new space for the first time. 

Spark director Beth Sherden said feedback from families who came to Wednesday’s opening day was overwhelmingly positive, with parents excited to see their kids run around, play, and interact with their peers — simply, seeing their kids be kids.

“Families have been looking for ways to safely be out, be active, trying to get back into the swing of things,” said Sherden. “Just to see that sense of wonder on the kids’ faces today, that’s been awesome.”

The new 7,000 square-foot space, located inside the mall near JCPenney, includes interactive exhibits, a large and fully enclosed ‘climber,’ and a ‘maker space’ equipped with a green screen and craft tools for kids of all ages. 

Sherden says her organization is still $350,000 away from hitting their original fundraising goal of $2.6 million. As funds continue to roll in, she says more amenities will be added to the space.

“We have some temporary things in the back area, but we would like to make it a whole end-to-end experience,” said Sherden. “We’d also put in some more physical activity areas around the climber, and add to our Little Sparks area. We’re continuing to build out, and a lot of our open space right now will be used.”

Wednesday’s opening marked the realization of a dream for Sherden and her staff, who wanted a larger space to incorporate STEAM (STEM + art) related activities with local tie-ins, celebrating the different cultures and landmarks of Rochester. In the coming months, Sherden says to expect new programs from organizations across the city as everyone gets settled in the new space.

“We always wanted to be more authentic to Rochester,” said Sherden, in regards to the old space. “We’ve learned a lot, and it’s time to embark on our own and build our own spot. We want to help kids think about what it means to live in our region, our part of the world.”

Spark capacity is currently limited to 50 people, although Sherden says the number could change in the near future. Masks are required for all visitors above the age of 5 and strongly encouraged for children between the ages of 2 and 4.

The center is open Thursday through Sunday from 9 a.m. - noon, then again from 1-4 p.m. after a round of cleaning. On Wednesdays, Spark only offers its morning hours. Sherden says those hours are also likely to change in the near future.

Isaac Jahns is a Rochester native and a 2019 graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism. He reports on politics, business and music for Med City Beat.