Sparta P.A.L. builds new facility

SPARTA — The Sparta Police Athletic League (P.A.L.) has a brand new home in a state of the art facility at Station Road in Sparta. Chief Ernie Reigstad, Director of the P.A.L. is excited about the potential of the space and what it can offer the community.

“The idea behind the P.A.L. is to have a place where officers can interact with youth and young adults through different activities whether they are sports, martial arts or any other activity. Some officers have an area of interest that they share,” explained Reigstad.

The P.A.L. is a non profit organization funded by private donations and a minimal cost to participate. The money raised pays for programs, uniforms, referee fees and space.

For Sparta, the P.A.L. consists of a winter basketball program offered to boys and girls grades 4 through 8 which was started in the 1970s by retired police officer Fred Geffken Until now, local school gyms and parks had been utilized for practice and games.

“Finding our own space has been a goal for a long time. With the present state of the economy, we had been looking at different options that might afford us our own space,” he said. “A private individual acquired the land and thought it was a good opportunity to build a new structure and lease it to the police. Our rent is very reasonable, and we are thrilled with how it turned out.”

About two years ago, construction began at the property which is located at 38 Station Road. It can be accessed by making a left after the train trellis and going up a hill. Formerly a factory and zoned for industrial use, the property was rezoned to meet the needs of the new structure which is about 8,000 square feet with ample parking. The building actually sits in front of the train track so the occasional running train can be seen from front windows.

All new landscaping has been done and a fence will be up adjacent to the tracks to make it safe.

“The big vision is for this to be a community center. We have about a 1000 square foot meeting room that can serve as a party space along with the main space which is a large gymnasium. Businesses may want to rent it for seminars and team building.”

Reigstad was involved from the beginning stages and is proud of end result. “It is a well done facility, well-built and well-insulated with a high efficiency lighting and HVAC system and high end security system. There is a synthetic floor on the gym that looks and feels like wood but takes a lot more wear and tear.”

Through extensive research by visiting over 100 P.A.L. and community centers, he asked many questions and looked at what comparable centers offer. “And one of the voids that I see in Sparta is that those teens not playing sports don’t have a place to go to. The concept of a teen center should have a purpose like a band, or karaoke or a movie night,” said Reigstad. “It is also a great place to have a party. There is a kitchenette, and it can hold about 75 people and has its own entrance and plenty of parking.”

The Sparta P.A.L. sees endless opportunities for this building to serve all types of organizations and is open to all groups.

Religious organizations have expressed interest as well as cheerleaders and adult sports leagues.

“We are looking forward to the community using it. I want it to be a valuable asset to the community that can go well beyond athletics.”

A grand opening will be scheduled for March. For updates and information about renting the space, go to www.spartapal.com or email ernie@spartapal.com.