NEENAH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A new tech lab in the Fox Valley aims to bring the community of all ages together.
The Neenah-Menasha YMCA held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of its new cutting-edge Tech Lab Tuesday.
Powered by Plexus Corp., it features 20 stations equipped with the latest gaming computers, X-Box series X , Nintendo Switch and adaptable gaming controllers for those who may not be able to operate a traditional controller.
With this new lab, the YMCA will be able to host a variety of esports leagues, community nights, STEM workshops, birthday parties and technology classes for seniors.
Click here for a list esports offerings.
David Herrmann, sports and recreational director of Appleton YMCA, says it offers a space for gamers to be competitive and build meaningful relationships with others.
“So one big pushing point we have to parents is that we are not trying to add more screen time to these kids lives, we know that they already watch TV, play video games, we’re just trying to basically replace that time with a higher quality experience for the kids, so you know, as I mentioned before, building that community, talking with others, making those friendships here where otherwise they would just be at home, playing alone,” he said.
Other benefits Herrmann says is that it’s also a safe space for kids to game.
“At home, you never know which games the kids are playing, who they’re interacting with, who they’re playing with but inside these walls, everyone in the room is the only people they’re going to be interacting with, it will be staffed at all times, so we know who they’re talking to, which games they’re playing and also for the games, we handpick them to ensure they’re all YMCA appropriate as well,” he said.
Gaming is also expensive. Hermann says and not all families can afford the game consoles, controllers and subscriptions that come with it, so this offers a more affordable option.
