Palm Beach North Sports - March 2021

M a r c h 2 0 2 1 | P A L M B E A C H N O R T H SPORTS 5 It will be a sports facility for all; a trend-setter; a world- class indoor sportsplex that brings a vast selection of sports experiences to every facet of our diverse community. When you learn details of the Palm Beach North Athletic Foundation’s plans for this sports facility, you’ll agree that little has been overlooked. Co-Founders Michael Winter, Russell Dise and Brian Duncan dreamed of creating a nonprofit sports facility in Palm Beach Gardens that welcomes every member of our community regardless of physical or mental ability or socio-economic status. They want this to be a community center that provides kids and families with a wide array of sports, many of which are not available in South Florida. They envision a place that can open doors for children and youth through sports, health and fitness. “Sports and social team-building activities are a critical part of development for youth of today” says Russ Dise, Co-Founder and Vice President. “We are committed to forging strategic partnerships with schools, businesses and other nonprofit organizations to further our philosophy of ‘Recreation for All’. Good sportsmanship, team building, community involvement, discipline and respect for one are all fostered by quality youth sports programs. These qualities will help kids grow to become the next generation of leaders.” To be located in the Gardens North County District Park, the PBN Sportsplex quickly drew the enthusiasm of Palm Beach Gardens and Palm Beach County commissioners who approved a lease agreement for use of 17 acres of park land. This 200,000+ square-foot, two-story indoor sportsplex will go far beyond the ordinary. The facility’s amenities will include regulation basketball, volleyball and squash courts, NHL regulation ice rinks, a rock-climbing wall and indoor children’s playground. Other sports and activities that will be available include pickleball, martial arts, gymnastics, an indoor running track and fitness center, and a full-service restaurant and bar. The Palm Beach Gardens-based foundation, whose leadership includes top business and sports figures from throughout the county, will design, construct, operate and maintain the facility as a 501(c)3 through a myriad of strategic partnerships and philanthropic donations. One such partnership is with HSS, which has been ranked as the leading orthopedic hospital in the country for 11 years. When opening their new location in West Palm Beach a year ago, the New York-based hospital became the official hospital for the PBN Sportsplex and will provide health, wellness and injury-prevention education at the facility. The Foundation’s Sports Advisory Council reads like a who’s who of the sports world: James Driscoll, PGA tour veteran; Mike Eruzione, captain of the 1980 Olympic hockey dream team; Tucker Frederickson, former New York Giants running back; Rachel Mayer Godino, an Olympic ice dancer; Natalie Grainger, former squash champion and U.S. Open Champion; and Denis Potvin, NHL hall of famer, four-time Stanley Cup champion and captain of the New York Islanders. “When I heard about the plans for this sportsplex, it was a no-brainer to get involved. Any time you can help children and families have experiences that promote health and wellness, it is crucial. This facility will be unique, opening doors to sports to those who never before had the means to do so,” said Mike Eruzione. Tucker Frederickson has a more personal reason for getting involved in the sportsplex development. A Florida boy who returned to Palm Beach Gardens after his stint with the New York Giants, Frederickson laments that his four children did not have sports opportunities beyond the school grounds and public parks. “This facility will be a great addition to the north county and will certainly be a draw for those looking to move into the area,” he said. “This Sportsplex will be a world-class facility and will stand as a model in other communities. Most importantly, it will be physically and economically accessible to everyone, offering new pathways to college scholarships by building sports skills that can open doors for students that might otherwise be closed,” said Foundation President Michael Winter. To get involved, please contact PBNAF at 561-623-5326 or info@pbnaf.org. EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR