The former Navistar site in Chatham is getting a significant upgrade.
The property, which officially became vacant in 2011, is being turned into an indoor sports complex. It'll include volleyball and basketball courts, an indoor soccer field, ping-pong tables, and more.
The mastermind behind the project is Philip Ong. He's leasing the property from its owners, Don Tetrault, Rob Myers, and Mike Vagi.
Ong told CK News Today he came up with the idea after realizing there were limited options for indoor sports in Chatham-Kent (CK).
"I went to Windsor twice a week, and it's just not sustainable. After a second year of doing it, I'm just had enough," he explained.
Ong said the lack of options became a bigger problem when he started a rec league for people looking to stay active. He said it was a struggle to find places as local school teams and non-profit recreational leagues got priority.
That's when he decided to reach out to the owners of the Navistar site. What they all agreed to do was open a small complex inside the property's blue building before committing to updating the entire site.
"(It's) to test our idea and get the word out, that way we can make a mistake on a smaller scale," said Ong.
If the community supports the complex, the plan would be to expand it across the entire property.
Ong is aiming to open the doors on the smaller complex in January. He noted there's still a lot of work to be done, like installing new floors and walls for the bathrooms, changerooms, and showers, but he's confident it'll all get done in time.
He's already looking forward to the first day, hoping people will come out and enjoy what they have to offer.
"This is the rare chance where I can do something that makes a difference for the community," added Ong.
