Indoor golf and tennis facility awaits financing

John Vinopal, co-owner of Vinopal Title & Abstract, 1030 Regis Ct., Eau Claire, and his wife, Sara, are in the process of finalizing plans to develop an indoor tennis and golf complex at the southeast corner of Highway 53 and River Prairie Road in Altoona.

River Prairie Indoor Tennis & Golf Club would include a 62,000-square-foot facility located on a four acre parcel that is to be purchased from the City of Altoona. The City of Altoona Plan Commission approved the concept of the project this week and now needs final city council approval.

"Our business plan is complete, so now our biggest hurdle is to obtain financing. Getting the finances approved could take two to three more weeks, but we are still on track with the City of Altoona. So if everything falls into place, we could start construction in mid-June," said Vinopal, who has 20 years of experience in the title and abstract business.

The indoor sports facility will feature six indoor tennis courts, three golf simulators and an upscale bar and restaurant. The business is expected to employ about 30 people.

"I was looking for something different to do. My wife is a state tennis player and I'm a golfer. So we thought it would be fun to run our own business and cater to the tennis players and golfers during the winter months," he said.

No cost estimates for the project are available until financing is approved. Nor has a general contractor been selected, according to Vinopal. TBL