Drumming up support

Abundant athletic courts inside the Spokane ValleyHUB still show a high-polish sheen. Tall curtains from the ceiling or sides can partition sections, allowing for up to five basketball or nine volleyball games.

Earlier this week, players and spectators alike viewed these indoor courts along with plentiful bleachers, lighting and high ceilings during a community open house.

A nonprofit group planning to reopen the Liberty Lake facility later this month as a regional sports center, has already booked AAU Basketball, Upward Basketball and volleyball tournament games for one season. However, organizers still have work to do to keep the lights on beyond May.

While still needing to raise $3.9 million to buy the building, ValleyHUB backers plan a formal opening before the end of October, with the help of some large private donations toward operations. A purchase agreement deadline has been extended beyond Oct. 26, and the nonprofit’s board members say they have permission to book sports events at least through early spring, while showing progress toward the purchase price.

However, the former Sports USA building is back to being shown to other potential buyers by real estate agents, said ValleyHUB board member Rick O’Connor. The nonprofit expects to receive major grants by early 2008, and they continue to seek donations from within the Spokane area community.

“A lot of the $3.9 million will come from grants,” said O’Connor at Sunday’s open house. “The key thing is community support. Our operation money (to start) has been met with several key donations.”

ValleyHUB has drawn together faith-based community volunteers working with regional sports, government and business leaders, all who point to a shortage of indoor athletic facilities within Spokane for youth sports and tournaments. They hope that by opening the building to sports groups this fall, it will raise awareness.

“This is the last gasp attempt to keep the building,” O’Connor added. “Those interested in purchasing it have talked about ripping out the floors and making it a high-bay warehouse facility. Time is of the essence and there’s a real need for this building in the community.”

Another ValleyHUB board member, Judi Williams, cited the need for momentum.

“Because the owner of the building has allowed us to open, we think the momentum of having some activity is going to raise awareness in the community that this will be a lost opportunity if we don’t raise the money,” she said.

One ValleyHUB capital campaign calls for $1,000 from 1,000 families.

During Sunday’s open house, groups such as girls high school volleyball players held demonstration games. Others toured the 66,670-square-foot building with concessions, multipurpose studios, classrooms and offices, and 3.5 acres for expansion.

“It’s a huge blessing to see it hasn’t been gutted, said Joni Croft while her daughter played volleyball. “We had heard rumors that it was, and it’s such a beautiful building.”

Next to Croft, Bobbie Worley, also watched her daughter, Katie, guard the net. “I think the building is going to be a positive thing for the community in general,” Worley said about the planned reopening.

Located at 19619 E. Cataldo Ave., behind Freedom RV near Barker Road and Interstate 90, the multipurpose facility opened in February 2004 as Sports USA, but closed its doors due to financial difficulty in December 2005.

“There’s a great need for basketball courts and volleyball courts – well, all sports facilities – and a need for a safe place for kids,” said Ian Robertson, ValleyHUB’s board chair and a Spokane Valley Nazarene Church retired pastor.

Robertson got the inspiration in 2006 for a volunteer- and community-driven athletic center when he saw a similar, larger facility in Alaska. He remembered that the Sports USA building, already built, sat empty and unused. Today, he gives tours, meets with community leaders and talks about ValleyHUB’s potential.

“We’re working with the Spokane Regional Sports Commission helping get events to Spokane and people are thrilled this venue will continue,” Robertson said.

The first major event booked is an AAU Boo Ball Tournament Oct. 27-28, followed by a college volleyball tournament in November. Plans also call for Upward Basketball fifth- and sixth- grade games in January. In addition, organizers are looking at open gym nights, camps and church youth group gatherings.

Other ValleyHUB board members include the Rev. Brian Prior, Episcopal Church of the Resurrection; Mike DeVleming, Spokane Valley City Council; Jim Alsager, Fellowship of Christian Athletes; and Max Spalding, Spalding Auto Parts. The nonprofit also lists support from Greater Spokane Inc., the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, Spokane Valley Ministerial Association, Spokane County, Garco Construction, Hoopfest Association/AAU, and Evergreen Region – USA Volleyball.

“We have a great team of community leaders,” Robertson said. “This is happening because of the unity in the faith community … because of our contact with the sports community, because of our relationship with the two chambers, cities, parks, just the encouragement of so many people who say we need this.”