Portage will soon be home to a new world class, multipurpose sports and activity resort that will serve as the premier indoor amateur sports and family activities center for Indiana, Michigan, and Illinois.
The Catalyst Lifestyles Sports Resort (CLSR) is a unique, interchangeable multi-sport dome and resort that has the ability to facilitate sports ranging from soccer to hockey, with a field larger than the turf at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
According to Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce (GPCOC) Member, Judy Cramer-Kukelka, the selection of Portage for the CLSR was due to the company’s desire to build these resorts as destinations for multiple regions at a time and Portage’s proximity to Chicago, Indiana, and Michigan made it the ideal spot to build.
“They have a few of these built in the U.S.,” Kukelka told IIMM. “ The land was available and was near an interstate, and of course being by the lake had its advantages as well.”
And while the CLSR is designed as an amateur sports facility, what also sets it apart from other indoor sporting facilities across the country is the resort aspect, complete with a world-class lodge, drive-in theatre, and indoor water park that is designed with family-friendly activities in mind for families that want to have a fun getaway, but may not be into sports.
“The facility is designed to be like an indoor Wisconsin Dells,” Kukelka added. “I love that it will offer a variety of sporting options but will offer options for families that do not participate in sports as well.”
One of those family-friendly options is a unique new activity called the Shweeb, an innovative exercise and transport system which combines the technologies of the monorail and the recumbent bicycle that will allow users to ride around the resort in aerodynamic pods.
This fast and fun way to travel will be the Shweeb’s first introduction to the United States, as well.
As a mother of three boys and a member of the GPCOC, Kukelka says she is excited for what the CLSR will bring to Portage from both an economic and quality of life standpoint.
“I'm thrilled about what it will do for the City of Portage from a commerce aspect. And as a mother, I'm also thrilled about the attractions that will be available just miles from our home.”
As of press time, the facility’s location was slated in the land North of 94 and West of Willowcreek Road, with completion plans for 2017.