What Is a Makerspace—and Why Adults in Flagstaff Are Joining Coco-op

If you’ve ever wanted to learn a new skill, fix something instead of replacing it, or simply make things with your hands again, you’re not alone.

At Coco-op, we see it every day: adults looking for a place to create, experiment, and connect—without needing to own thousands of dollars in tools or dedicate a garage to hobbies.

What is a makerspace?

A makerspace is a shared workshop where people can access tools, equipment, and knowledge to build, repair, and create.

At Coco-op, that includes:

• Woodshop with all the large and small tools of a professional workshop

• Metalshop for welding, grinding, and precision milling on our Bridgeport

• Ceramics studio + dedicated glaze room (yes, we mix our own community glazes)

• Digital fabrication, including 3D printers, laser cutters, and a CNC machine

• Sewing area with home & industrial machines, as well as leather working tools

• Detail work room (jewelry + stained glass)

• Electronics bench

• Tool library where members can check out tools to use at home

• Community room to eat lunch, meet with friends, or work on your laptop

• (And a darkroom currently in progress)

But tools are only part of the story.

Why adults are seeking this out

Most people stop making things regularly after school. Not because they're no longer interested—but because access disappears.

Coco-op is built specifically for adults (18+) who want:

• Hands-on learning without going back to school (and at a fraction of the cost)

• Creative outlets beyond screens

• Practical skills (repair, fabrication, prototyping)

• A community of people doing interesting things

Membership vs. Classes

While a lot of our members joined after seeing all the possibilities of the makerspace, some people just dip a toe with one of our creative classes.

• Classes are open to any adult—no membership required

  • Great for folks who want to learn a new skill, or refine what they already know.

  • Small class size allows for individualized instruction

• Membership gives you ongoing access to the space, tools, and community

  • 24/7 access to ALL of our workshops

  • Discounts on classes

  • Free access to our tool library

  • Month-to-month, with no initiation fee

  • Manage your membership with our online "Maker Portal"

Why this matters in Flagstaff

In a place like Flagstaff, where expenses run high, but art, sustainability, and community run deep, a makerspace becomes something more. It’s infrastructure for local creativity.