THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2008
Hersey Grads Opening Athletic Facility
By RICHARD MAYER
Journal Reporter
A new 12,000 sq. ft. indoor athletic training facility is expected to begin operation in Mt. Prospect by late spring or early summer this year.
The facility will be housed in an existing industrial complex near Algonquin and Elmhurst roads, according to Bill Cooney, director of community development.
The Athletic Barn, which will be located at 1920 Carboy Rd., will feature 25-ft. ceilings; two portable batting cages, two playground basketball courts, a golf cage and some other amenities.
A condensed version of an infield baseball diamond will also be featured so teams can practice their skills.
Owner Tom Barnard decided to open the facility to train and allow anyone of any age to improve his or her skills in certain sports. Barnard spent 25 years of his life with the Major League Baseball Pittsburgh Pirates organization, spending time in the minor leagues and training numerous athletes, some of whom went on to play professional ball.
"I also coached at a junior college where I helped developed kids over a nine year period," said Barnard. He also received the "2002 Pirate Scout of the Year" award.
Barnard retired from baseball two years ago after he and his wife had a son. At that time, he decided to stay close to home and open up a training facility.
According to General Manager Trevor Stocking, in addition to the batting cages and basketball courts, there will also be an area set aside for workout equipment so members can remain or get into shape.
Stocking said the facility will host numerous programs once operations begin.
Some of the programs include a youth soccer program that will help develop children from one to five years old and a football camp. Barnard and Stocking are currently talking with the Mt. Prospect Park Dist. to have other activities integrated through the training facility, such as a baseball camp and classes.
Barnard and Stocking will be the only two employees of the facility during its inception, but Barnard said additional employees could be hired in the future.
According to Barnard, for the time being, the facility will be open seven days a week only in the afternoons on weekdays and open for most of the day on weekends.
Both Barnard and Stocking are graduates of Hersey High School in Arlington Heights.
Plans are expected to be presented to the Mt. Prospect Planning and Zoning commission on Thursday, Apr. 24. Final approval by the Village Board is required.