In brief: ValleyHUB open house Sunday
An open house is scheduled Sunday for the new ValleyHUB building, formerly Sports USA in Liberty Lake, to allow the public to view the site and hear updates.
From 1 to 5 p.m., organizers will offer treats and have guest speakers to talk about the HUB and the impact it can have on the community. In addition, there will be basketball and volleyball demonstrations by local teams.
ValleyHUB is the new name for a 56,000-square-foot building at 19619 E. Cataldo Ave., just east of the Spokane Valley city limits. The multipurpose facility, which includes five full-size basketball courts, opened in February 2004 but closed its doors in December 2005.
A group led by Ian Robertson, a former pastor at Spokane Valley Nazarene Church, then announced that Sports USA would be brought back and become ValleyHUB, with the potential to become a regional sports center. Organizers, who include local businesses and members of the local faith community, have talked about the potential of the facility to host not only Upward Basketball, but a wide range of other events and activities, including camps, a mentoring program for at-risk kids, AAU Basketball and regional volleyball tournaments.
– Treva Lind
LIBERTY LAKE
Mayoral debate will be Thursday
Challenger Wendy Van Orman and incumbent Steve Peterson will hold a mayoral debate Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Liberty Lake Elementary School, 23606 E. Boone Ave.
Doors will open at 7 and the Liberty Lake Kiwanis Club will serve free refreshments. Pre-submitted questions will be read by a moderator.
To submit a question for consideration, contact any Kiwanis member or the Liberty Lake Splash Web site at libertylakesplash.com and click survey.
The debate is sponsored by the Liberty Lake Kiwanis, the Liberty Lake Splash newspaper and Liberty Lake Community Directory.
MIRABEAU
Mirabeau park to host bike races
A free youth bike race series is scheduled Sunday at Mirabeau Point Park in Spokane Valley.
Race times are noon for ages 5 and younger; 12:30 p.m. for 6-year-olds; 12:45 for 7-year-olds; 1 for 8-year-olds; 1:15 for 9-year-olds; 1:30 for ages 10-11; and 1:45 for ages 12-13.
Booths will be set up so participants can test their strength with Group Health physical therapists “Stretch It Here” program.
Children through age 13 can visit the foundation’s Blood and Guts exhibits and receive a bike safety check at REI. Family games provided by the YMCA of the Inland Northwest and safe cycling tips will be offered by the Safe Kids Coalition. It’s all free.