Bainbridge Island man wants to build indoor tennis center

POULSBO — With the abundance of rain our area gets, in every season, avid tennis players can be out of luck to play their game. A Bainbridge Island man wants to change that for North Kitsap.

Chad Haight, who worked in publishing in Seattle for more than 30 years, said that residents of North Kitsap are “underserved” in their access to tennis.

Haight is looking for partners and investors to help develop a combination tennis, fitness and community center in Poulsbo.

“I believe very strongly a facility like this is built from the community up,” he said.

Haight said his plan — an indoor tennis arena, co-op membership-based fitness center and community center for after-school programs — will cost “slightly north” of $1 million. He spoke at the Greater Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce luncheon in April, and said he’s gotten a lot of positive response from businesses in the area.

The development is flexible — Haight said he’s considering adding a health services or spa business to the facility as well. Haight is also looking into Har-Tru, a softer green clay for the court, which is “much more comfortable for older legs.”

“The goal now is to get investment in hand and permits this year,” he said.

Haight estimated construction could be off the ground by the end of the year or early next year, and the facility built in a matter of months. He expects the facility will provide 20-30 jobs.

The tennis and fitness center will most likely have a “membership aspect,” but he wants it to be member-owned, giving “everyone a seat at the table.” The community center would offer low-to-no costs for renting space, and would be available for kids after school.

 

Contact North Kitsap Herald Megan Stephenson at mstephenson@northkitsapherald.com or 360-779-4464.

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