The Epic will feature a unique and innovative extension of the Grand Prairie Public Library system.  It’s called EpicReads.  Located in the atrium, the library kiosk will dispense items to Grand Prairie library patrons and you don’t necessarily have to be a member of The Epic.  It was designed and manufactured to have a low carbon footprint and is environmentally friendly, producing no waste and using minimal power.  The user-friendly screen allows for member/guests to check out books as well as sign up for a library card.  Here’s a list of features:

• Touch Screen Checkout
• Material capacity: 200 to 1,000 items
• Check-out/return options
• Reservations and customer pick-up
• First screen is branded/customized with key instructions for operation
• Search options via category (author, title, blue ray, DVD etc.)
• Account access via patron card
• Easy for staff to load/retrieve items
• Items displayed with correlating image/details for easier selection
• Selection of Spanish books/dvds

EpicReads is yet another example of how The Epic combines innovative ideas and the newest technology in order to provide more convenience for our guests.  Join now at JoinTheEpic.com.

1. Fitness

In addition to all the cardio, weight training and group fitness classes you could ask for, we’ve added elements that provide brand new experience.  The adventure track adds inclines and declines to your run, along with an obstacle course.  Our spin classes will be interactive, allowing members to race against each other.  We will host Crossfit workouts and personal training group sessions with an outdoor training area.

2. Art

In addition to art classes led by accomplished artists, The Epic’s gallery will always have the artwork of local artists on display.  Our resident artist, Horacio Casillas, will teach a beginner ceramics class that will include pottery making.

3. Music

The Epic has its own radio booth and radio station, EpicRadioGp.com.  In our theater, we will frequently host concerts and album release parties that highlight local talent.  Whether you’re a producer looking for a place to work or a musician looking to record an album, our professional recording studio will provide everything you need.

4. Aquatics

Have you ever tried an underwater treadmill, bike or elliptical?  We have those.  Along with lanes for lap swimming, our vortex pool has circular currents and allows for swimmers to engage in low impact, resistance training.  We’ve got a 2 -story slide and kiddie splash area that will also be available for parties.

5. Youth Programming

Kids will enjoy a truly unique experience at The Epic with the latest video game consoles and games.  We will have a kid’s crossfit class.  Zone 1317 is specifically designed for ages 13-17. All of our youth programming will be designed to encourage social, emotional and mental wellness.

We’re hiring! We are looking to immediately fill part-time recreation aide positions. If you’d like to join our team and have experience in any of the above areas, please apply online at GpTx.org.  We are also looking to hire for guest services, personal training, group fitness and massage therapy.  Prospective members can join now at JoinTheEpic.com.

A culinary arts program is often left out of the recreation conversation because frankly, many recreation centers do not have the space and/or resources for a multi-faceted cooking program.  At The Epic, we have planned specifically for a kitchen and dining space that will host everything from a cooking class to wine tasting.  Outfitted with IKEA appliances and furniture, the spacious area will be devoted to a number of culinary related programs.  It will allow members/guests to be immersed in a modern kitchen and dining room experience.

Our culinary programs will let participants creatively express themselves through cooking classes which feature accomplished guest chefs.  There will also be demonstrations on efficient meal preparation for a family in addition to classes on proper nutrition and wellness.  The kitchen and dining area will be available for rent as well.  If you’ve ever wanted to learn about classic cooking methodology or international cuisine, this is the place to do so.

If you have questions about our culinary kitchen and its programs and rentals or if you’d like to lead a culinary program, please contact our Culinary and Rental Specialist, Lesa Jones: ljones@gptx.org/ (972) 339-3717

In partnership with The University of North Texas’ College of Visual Arts and Design, The Epic’s Artist-in-Residence program will give opportunities to UNT students while they take the next step in their career.  Once accepted, the artist will have a loft as well as a studio where they can consistently produce works, regardless of medium.  Members and guests will be able to observe artists as they work. The artist will also teach classes as part of The Epic’s fine arts programming.

We are proud to introduce our very first artist-in-residence, Horacio Casillas.  Born in Arizona and raised in Mexico and West Texas, Horacio is a ceramic artist working with porcelain and stoneware and primarily, soda firing.  He has a BFA in Ceramics from Angelo State University as well as a MFA in Ceramics from The University of North Texas.  He has exhibited works in galleries around the country and has taught at UNT and Brookhaven College.  His work has been recognized multiple times and is known for its rustic feel and Catholic themes.  Here is Horacio in his own words:

“I spent a large part of my final semester of graduate school applying to residencies and preparing for what comes next. Being accepted as The Epic’s first resident artist was more than I had hoped for. 

This residency gives me time to hone my craft, more than I have at any other point in my career as an artist. The Epic not only provides me with an excellent environment to make art, but also an opportunity to get healthy and in shape by joining fitness classes or simply going to the gym, which I’ve been wanting to do for some time. 

Throughout my residency, I will be focusing on making functional pottery and furthering my exploration into sculpture. As an artist, I believe my work would be meaningless if it wasn’t for the people who interact with it, and I very much look forward to meeting members of the community and sharing my work and process. I am very excited to be a part of what The Epic is offering to the community of Grand Prairie, and I can’t wait to see this place flourish.”

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You can view more of Horacio’s work at www.horaciocasillas.com

We shoot, we score! Cross another one off of the to-do list as we countdown to The Epic Grand Opening.  Our basketball courts are almost ready! Being The Epic, we wanted the best, so the fine folks at Spalding have outfitted our courts with six top-of-the-line basketball goals. If these goals look familiar, they’re the same ones used by professional, collegiate, international, and high school organizations. Set at the standard height, 10 feet, the goals can also be adjusted to 9ft (11 year olds) and 8ft (8-10 year olds) for youth basketball.  After being anchored, leveled, and calibrated, they’ll be outfitted with 4” thick protective padding and vinyl for safety and durability.

Whether you’re a casual shooter or looking for a pick-up game, our goals will provide a long-lasting and consistently sturdy experience for all of our basketball players.  We’ll have plenty of open play time for members and guests as well as organized recreational leagues, tournaments, camps, and clinics.

Stay tuned for updates!