When Jim Bredouw launched the Funhouse 10 years ago, he had a great business model: run a kids’ community center that is sustained by admittance to a built-in science museum.

The only problem was that not enough foot traffic came through the doors to support the Funhouse’s growing programs. Plus, upkeep of the displays was costly. So the board recently voted to steer the organization in a new direction under a new name: The Commons.

“We are moving beyond the science museum for tourists to become a community center for the island with a special focus on families and children,” said board chair Eric Youngren.

The Commons will build upon its four core programs: teen night, after-school sessions, mentoring and educational courses about online learning, SAT prep and college counseling.

“With this shift, we hope to dedicate more resources to improving these programs,” said director Pete Moe.

Many of the science displays are being consolidated and simplified, leaving room for community groups to meet and hold presentations using newly updated multi-media equipment.

“This building is an incredible asset,” Moe said. “We want to open it up and get everyone in here … we still want to be a place for tourists to come on a rainy summer day, but also be more of a community center.”

Many of the organization’s programs have evolved in the last year. Teen Night now offers karaoke, structured activities like art and science projects and DJ classes as well as improved security measures.

“We listened to the community and installed new cameras,” Moe said.

The Afterschool Program is also more structured so kids can participate in the Homework Club and work on projects instead of just surfing the internet. New board member Kyle Freeman, who is also the elementary school principal, suggested that The Commons staff members walk to the school and escort kids back to the building. Because of that, the program can now accept third graders.

Other offerings at The Commons include video and audio production, improvisational theater, computer skills, a running club, babysitter training, toddler programs and access to a Wii, streaming Netflix and an Xbox 360.

A new idea – still in the infancy stages – is pairing high school students with local businesses in need of social networking assistance. It would provide teens with experience like working on a website and managing a Twitter and Facebook account while giving small businesses free help with marketing.

The Commons is also working closely with the Orcas Parks and Rec District as it develops its programs.

Moe hopes to build the organization’s membership base. For $100 per year per family, kids and parents can have access to all classes and activities. For an individual, it’s $50 a year.

The building has received a sprucing up as well. Members of the Orcas wrestling team recently gave the facility its first new coat of paint in 10 years.

Moe and Youngren acknowledge it might take a while for the new name to stick, but they hope the community supports their new direction.

“We see this as a natural evolution,” Youngren said.

Upcoming events

The Commons will be celebrating the start of the school year with a Back to School Carnival on Saturday, Sept. 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be  games, food and fun for all ages.

The Commons is hosting a fundraising gala on Sept. 7. Call 376-7177 for more information.