The Palestra co-owners Dave Lane and Brandon Prat prepare to cut the ribbon at the building's entrance July 9.
On a muggy July 9 afternoon in North Liberty, dozens of community members gathered at 1450 Hayes Lane to celebrate the grand opening of The Palestra, a 36,000-square-foot sports complex that broke ground last August. Housing four basketball and volleyball courts, 12 pickleball courts and two community spaces, the facility will be open to traveling [โฆ]
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On a muggy July 9 afternoon in North Liberty, dozens of community members gathered at 1450 Hayes Lane to celebrate the grand opening of The Palestra, a 36,000-square-foot sports complex that broke ground last August.
Housing four basketball and volleyball courts, 12 pickleball courts and two community spaces, the facility will be open to traveling sports teams and clubs, and host community events for both North Liberty residents and the surrounding community.
Dave Lane, co-owner and operator of The Palestra, addresses the crowd July 9. CREDIT ANNIE SMITH BARKALOW
โIt's a long time coming for a facility like this, especially in North Liberty,โ Dave Lane, The Palestraโs co-owner and operator, said. โThere's just such a demand for it, and we're just happy to be able to provide a space for organizations, for local clubs, for individualsโฆto be able to bring others from outside the community here for events to spend money and help out the community in that way.โ
Already, The Palestraโs roster is filling up with team practices, he said. โItโs going to be full for a long time,โ he added. โWe do some long-term agreements with it.โ
Present at the celebration were Lauren Hansen, executive director of Iowa United Volleyball, and Colby Greene, youth director of the organization.
โFor us to be able to have this facility is hugeโฆthe location is super ideal for volleyball,โ Ms. Hansen said, pointing out that itโs a short drive from the neighboring cities of Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Solon and Coralville, and it will bring more people to the community from outlying areas. โThereโs nothing like this.โ
Kids practice basketball at The Palestra prior to the ribbon cutting ceremony. CREDIT ANNIE SMITH BARKALOW
Prior to the ceremony, the gym space was filled with youth practicing basketball. Amelia Koehn-Prout, whose nine-year-old nephew, Kyler Koehn, is in his second year of playing basketball, watched his practice from the sidelines with her mother, Chris Koehn.
โItโs so nice having this facility,โ said Ms. Koehn-Prout. โItโs a nice addition to the Corridor and Iowa City area, and itโs great for families. Itโs great to get kids active and healthy.โ
Next door to the sports complex, construction is being completed on a 37,000-square-foot family entertainment center that will house a bowling alley and a Pizza Ranch with an adjoining arcade.
An aerial view of Solomon's Landing. CREDIT LION DEVELOPMENT GROUP
Itโs all part of the broader Solomonโs Landing district, 80 acres of residential and commercial properties located on the corner of Penn Street and N. Jones Boulevard and the vision of locally-owned Lion Development Group.
โThis (is) a project that we've been working on for three-and-a-half years, and to say that we've got almost 100,000 square feet of commercial built or under construction already leased in today's market is a pretty impressive feat,โ Brandon Pratt, co-owner of The Palestra and owner of Lion Development Group, said. โI'm very proud of my team [for being able] to put that together.โ
The Palestra grand opening
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The Palestra sports complex, at 1450 Hayes Lane, is the latest development in the Solomon's Landing District in North Liberty. CREDIT ANNIE SMITH BARKALOW
The Palestra co-owner and operator Dave Lane speaks with community members at the July 9 ceremony.
Colby Greene (center), youth director with Iowa United Volleyball, speaks with the organization's executive director Lauren Hansen (left) and another attendee July 9.
Members of the audience listen to Brandon Pratt and Dave Lane speak prior to the ribbon-cutting.
The Palestra co-owner and operator Dave Lane addresses attendees on July 9 from inside the building. Mr. Lane is also the owner and program director of the Prairie Trail Sports Complex in Ankeny.
Brandon Pratt (left) and Dave Lane (right) address the audience from inside The Palestra.
Attendees listen to Brandon Pratt and Dave Lane speak prior to the ribbon-cutting.
Members of the audience listen to Brandon Pratt and Dave Lane speak prior to the ribbon-cutting.
The Palestra co-owners Dave Lane and Brandon Prat prepare to cut the ribbon at the building's entrance July 9.
The Palestra co-owners Dave Lane and Brandon Pratt prepare to cut the ribbon at the July 9 grand opening. CREDIT ANNIE SMITH BARKALOW
The Palestra, as seen from Penn Street and Saratoga Place.