New life for longtime fitness center

• Trampolines

One feature possible in the new Northern Air Family Fun Center is a lot of trampolines. (Submitted photo)

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Physical exertion will continue at the former Center Court Fitness Center, although the participants’ activities and ages will change.

Center Court, a Grand Forks Park District’s tennis/exercise facility since 1986 that has largely catered to adults, will become the privately owned Northern Air Family Fun Center.

Although “family” is in its name and the facilities can be used by all ages, the majority of the activities are targeted for children. The plan, according to Manager Bryan Lee, is to have Northern Air open by the Christmas break.

“We want to bring something new to the Grand Forks area,” Lee said. “We want to be a small piece of improving the lifestyle here.”

Northern Air will be developed in stages. The first stage will be mostly about bouncing, with inflatables for toddlers and trampolines for older ages. Also in the plans for the opening are batting cages for baseball and softball.

The trampoline park will be about 10,000 square feet, with roughly 100 connected individual tramps. The trampoline complex can be used for assorted activities, such as dodgeball and dunking basketballs.

Birthday party rooms also should be ready by the opening. Plans call for adding electric go-karts later in the business’ first year of operation.

“We have something for everybody and everything is open to all ages,” Lee said. “We’re striving to be that place where pretty much anyone can come.”

Northern Air will share a wall with the Red River Gymnastics Club. “It’s a good fit with gymnasts on our back side,” he said.

It’s a family business, with other owners being Bryan’s wife Nicole and his parents, Don and Connie Lee, all of Grand Forks. The only bidder, they purchased Center Court for $550,000 in July 2011.

The Park District bought the building from Center Court Tennis Centre in 1986. After repairs, it cost $1.2 million.

The property’s main attractions, Lee said, are its location – near the high-traffic intersection of Washington Street and 32nd Avenue South – and the high ceilings of the lower level.

“We’re delighted that it’s going for activities for kids,” Park District Director John Staley said. “Whether it’s the park district or a private party putting on the recreation, it offers more opportunities for families.”

Call Bakken at (701) 780-1125; (800) 477-6572, ext. 1125; or send email to rbakken@gfherald.com.

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