I’m a big fan of the four seasons. That’s one of the reasons that I’ve been on a winter festival kick over the last couple of years. If you’re going to live in a city where it snows, you better be able to get outdoors in order to enjoy the elements. At the same time, there’s something to be said for indoor recreational activities during the winter months, and that is one of the amenities that Buffalo (the city) is lacking. I’m talking about an urban indoor recreational center where you can play soccer, hit golfballs, run on a track, etc. On the outskirts of the city there are a few indoor athletics complexes, mainly because land is cheap and a gigantic ‘sports bubble’ somehow doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb.
As areas of the city like Canalside, the Larkin District and The Medical Campus grow, I would think that eventually the lack of an indoor recreational facility would be addressed. While a center such as this would be a big hit for those looking to be active year ’round, the concept would also be a great business opportunity for a sports’ minded company. The complex would also be utilized in the summertime by downtown office workers who would be able to practice hitting golf balls. I know that these types of centers are also popular at night, as they are well lit, protected from the elements, are family friendly, and offer a number of different athletic opportunities. I’m surprised that the city of Buffalo does not have something like this already in place. I’m not suggesting that the facility would be a ‘bubble dome’ (see photo)… but at the same time they do seem to be practical considering the lower cost compared to building an arena. Maybe something more along these lines… or even the DL&W Terminal?
