Private Facilities

[baggettpv]

To all you guys/gals that have your own indoor facility. Can we start our own topic to exchange ideas on the business we are in. I just brought in one batting cage to be used during non-vault times. Amazingly in 3 months it's brought in a substantial amount of money. Also doing speed training, core training and some boxing to offset the overhead.
You guys doing anything else?

Rick Baggett

[vaultmd]

I never had an indoor place, but I always fantasized about running a western night club in the evenings to pay the bills.

[baggettpv]

Wilson,
Shut up hahahahha

[Barto]

Currently we are not set up to do anything but pole vault, but phase 2 is going to have a 60m straight for speed development camps and private coaching in other events (LJ, TJ, HJ, Shot, Hurdles).

[AVC Coach]

We're also only set up for the pole vault. Since I teach school and coach football and track at my school, I don't really have enough free time to do much else with it. I thought about renting it out for reunions and parties, but too much stuff to move and protect. I like the batting cage idea though. We're in a remote location, but there are several baseball and softball enthusiasts in the surrounding areas. I might have to check into that.

[tsorenson]

Hey Rick,
The facility we used last winter is owned by the Bend Elks baseball team, and the owner fills the place with a number of activities, primarily baseball. In addition to letting the PV and high jumpers use it in the winter (with a raised runway), they also lease the space to Bend parks & rec. for youth soccer and baseball, youth dances, and they do several "boot camps" for women. He also has a retail baseball store set up next to his office.

With all your training equipment the "boot camp" thing might be a good idea, just expanding your user group to people wanting to get in shape. Another idea is to build an indoor rock climbing area...it is expensive initially but the rock gyms in the valley seem to do ok because of all the rainy weather.

Tom

[rainbowgirl28]

Hey Rick,
The facility we used last winter is owned by the Bend Elks baseball team, and the owner fills the place with a number of activities, primarily baseball. In addition to letting the PV and high jumpers use it in the winter (with a raised runway), they also lease the space to Bend parks & rec. for youth soccer and baseball, youth dances, and they do several "boot camps" for women. He also has a retail baseball store set up next to his office.

With all your training equipment the "boot camp" thing might be a good idea, just expanding your user group to people wanting to get in shape. Another idea is to build an indoor rock climbing area...it is expensive initially but the rock gyms in the valley seem to do ok because of all the rainy weather.

Tom

Yeah you should make the small wall by the Port-A-Potty a rock climbing wall. That would be good for the vaulters and for bringing in extra money.

[KirkB]

... Another idea is to build an indoor rock climbing area...it is expensive initially but the rock gyms in the valley seem to do ok because of all the rainy weather.

This need not be expensive if you partner with someone that already has a mobile rock wall.

If you've never heard of this, it's a rock wall on the back of a truck, that raises to a vertical wall with hydraulics.

They're popular at outdoor events (fairs, carnivals, grand-openings, civic celebrations ...), as something that kids (anybody, actually) can try.

So what do these trucks do on rainy days and in winter? Probably sit idle. Seems to me if you can drive the truck into your building, you're ready to go!

Kirk

[indestructo]

Is there enough money in owning a small multi-use facility to be a primary source of income?? I'm looking into getting something set up here, and wouldn't mind any insight. Ideally, I would like to replace my day job with this, but we'll see...

[tsorenson]

Kirk,
Nice idea, but those portable rock walls are lame for anyone except beginners. The best bet would be to build an overhanging area wrapped around a corner, so as not to take away from floor space. The wall could either be tall with top-rope anchors or shorter for just bouldering. The framing can be done with either steel or wood (both expensive) and the front panels can be plywood or molded synthetic rock (Entreprises, inc makes these here in Bend) with interchangable holds. The holds are also expensive...but they last forever once you get them. I have built several indoor home rock walls, and you have to build in lots of features to keep it interesting.
The local rock gym in my town charges $12 per day to climb, and also rents equipment and does lots of youth programs and beginner lessons. Probably not too practical to add to an existing PV facility like Rick's, but might be a good plan for someone who is building a new facility and can incorporate it into their business plan initially.
Rick, if you ever do want to build one let Jesse and I know and we'd be happy to help. We work for beer...
Tom

[baggettpv]

Tom.
Been thinking about it for awhile. I think horizontal would be good and wood frame would be easy. I appreciate you offer. Hahaha, yes we can do beer.

Rick

[Barto]

Is there enough money in owning a small multi-use facility to be a primary source of income?? I'm looking into getting something set up here, and wouldn't mind any insight. Ideally, I would like to replace my day job with this, but we'll see...

It all depends upon your definition of "enough money". I can make it work, but it involves Ramen Noodles.