SOAR plans recreation complex in Sisters

SOAR plans to build a complex of ballfields and a gym/teen center/martial arts studio on 15 acres dedicated to the organization by the Sisters School District.

According to SOAR director Tom Coffield, the facilities will be funded solely through grants and donations.

Coffield said that a SOAR gym will help the organization stage its basketball tournaments, which now bring hundreds of youth players to Sisters.

Over the Presidents' Day holiday weekend, 90 teams came to Sisters for a tournament. Coffield said he'd like to keep those players and their families in Sisters as much as possible as a boost to the winter economy.

"Right now we rent space all over the county to put on a tourney," Coffield said.

The elementary school-sized gym (5,232 square feet) will also allow youth and adult league basketball, roller hockey, indoor soccer and other activities to be held at reasonable hours, Coffield said.

SOAR currently uses school gyms in late-evening hours after school programs are done.

Coffield said that a Youth Center is a vital component.

"We can fill all the activities in the world, but (kids) still want a place to just hang out and socialize," Coffield said. "We're going to try to provide that space. Kids can hang out after school; kids can socialize. On weekends we can show movies."

Plans call for a 2,501-square-foot Taekwondo studio; a 1,093-square-foot dance/aerobics room; consolidated office space for SOAR staff; a climbing wall and a movie screen in the teen center.

Coffield also noted that having its own facilities will allow SOAR to expand its pre-school age activities.

The ball fields will be used by community sports leagues and, Coffield said, allow SOAR to add softball tournaments to its basketball tournament program.