Last week marked an exciting milestone for Wayne Center for the Arts: the official groundbreaking of our long-envisioned Arts Park and FabLab! On September 30, staff, community leaders, and longtime supporters gathered on the WCA campus to celebrate the start of a project that will bring creativity, innovation, and community connection to downtown Wooster.
The idea for this project has been in motion for years. Former Executive Director James Fox first helped plant the seeds, and today’s WCA team and board have carried that vision forward with enthusiasm and heart. As Executive Director Sara Brink shared during the ceremony, “This has been a long time coming. This is truly the beginning of a new era at WCA.”
Community Partners Making It Possible
The Arts Park and FabLab project has been made possible through the generosity of many community partners and donors. Special thanks go to the Wayne Holmes Mental Health and Recovery Board, which sponsored a grant from the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (ODMHAS) — recognizing the powerful role art can play in building youth resilience.
WCA also expressed deep gratitude to Jon & Tina Ansel, the Audrey Beaverson Field of Interest Fund, the Stanley C. Gault Philanthropic Leadership Fund, the Gesler Family Charitable Fund, the Ralph R. and Grace B. Jones Foundation, Wooster Kiwanis, Kiwanis International, Julie Mennes, the Romich Foundation, the Toro Company, Walmart Spark Good Program, Wayne County Community Foundation, and the City of Wooster whose early gifts helped secure the matching funds needed to make this project a reality.
A Place for Creativity and Connection
Once complete, the Arts Park will transform a portion of WCA’s campus into a vibrant outdoor hub for creativity, recreation, and connection. The park will include green space, public art, gathering areas, and an accessible playground, providing a welcoming space for all members of the community.
At the heart of the development will be the FabLab, a new state-of-the-art facility where art meets innovation. The FabLab will provide hands-on opportunities for people of all ages to explore woodworking, glass, metal, ceramics, and design — helping the next generation develop creative problem-solving skills and confidence through making.
Building on a Legacy
WCA’s local construction partner, Bogner Construction, shares a special connection to the project and to the Walnut Street neighborhood. “This is not only our project, but also our neighborhood,” said Construction Manager Brian Bogner. “Our offices are just 300 yards away, and we’ve been neighbors and partners with WCA for decades. In fact, the third generation of Bogners helped renovate the Walnut Street School back in the 1980s to become the art center it is today. It’s exciting to continue that legacy with the Arts Park.”
Looking Ahead
With construction now underway, WCA anticipates completion and a ribbon-cutting celebration in summer 2026. Once finished, the Arts Park and FabLab will serve as an anchor within the growing Downtown Wooster Arts District, reflecting the city’s vitality and commitment to creative placemaking.
“We are thrilled to bring these new opportunities to our community,” said Brink. “Together, we will build a stronger, more creative Wooster for generations to come.”
Stay tuned for updates as this exciting project takes shape — and be part of the story by following our progress on social media or donating toward this incredible community investment.