Q: How long has the idea of a multi-purpose fieldhouse been considered?

A: The concept of an indoor practice facility in the Traverse City area has been discussed by various groups for decades. Over the past four years, a dedicated group of community members and TCAPS have collaborated to research similar facilities statewide and assess the feasibility of building an indoor facility for the children in our community.

 

Q: What is the current plan to fund this multi-purpose indoor facility?

A: The current proposal relies on the generosity of our community, with the NMHA aiming to raise at least $7 million. These funds will cover the initial excavation of the proposed Carlisle Road site and the construction of the 120,000 square foot pre-engineered building’s shell. The preliminary estimated cost for the entire facility is approximately $17 million.

 

Q: Who will be using this building?

A: While the primary use is designed for TCAPS student groups, there are also plans for community youth program use, which also largely comprises TCAPS students. An early draft of a mocked-up schedule (linked in the original document) illustrates potential usage, including dedicated time for rentals and tournaments, as outlined in the business plan pro-forma.

 

Q: Will students have to have a membership to use this facility?

A: There are no plans to charge district students for use of the facility. We have a great relationship with our local YMCA and will not compete with what they offer the greater community. When a tournament is hosted by TCAPS, there will be registration fees for the event. One of the key goals of this facility is to create a fund that will allow fee waivers for any TCAPS student who can’t afford a fee to have it reduced or waived. This includes expanded LEAP activities that are planned in this facility year round. 

Q: Why is this facility being built on Carlisle Road?

A: NMHA and TCAPS thoroughly considered all available vacant land properties suitable for a multi-purpose indoor facility. The site behind East Middle School was chosen because of its proximity to municipal sewer and water infrastructure, and the building will fit well on the property. It is the only vacant property with the necessary infrastructure to support the facility’s construction.

 

Q: Did you consider building this facility at Thirlby Field, or at both Central and West Senior High Schools?

A: Yes, the property next to Thirlby Field was considered, but it is not large enough to accommodate the facility. Initially, NMHA and TCAPS explored building a facility at each of the high schools (Central and West Senior). However, this would require an overwhelming amount of donated funds, which the fundraising group determined would currently be an unachievable task. The current design does include a “Phase 2” fundraising plan to build a 15,000 square foot auxiliary multi-purpose building at both Central and West Senior High Schools. These would be designed for future expansion, mirroring the Carlisle Road facility’s design.

 

Q: Was an indoor multi-purpose facility part of the 2018 Bond Campaign?

A: When the Trojan Athletic Complex was discussed during the 2018 bond campaign, there was communication about an indoor practice space on the former US Coast Guard Property, which was donated to TCAPS. Days before the August 2018 election, the Traverse City Record Eagle published a story* detailing considerations for the new Trojan Athletics facility, which included this discussion.

 

Q: What is the current status of the design and fundraising for this project?

A: In December or 2024, the TCAPS Board of Education approved fundraising efforts to begin on this project. In July 2025, the TCAPS Board of Education approved the creation of a visioning team to work with TMP Architects to complete the architectural and engineering drawings, allowing for firm construction bids. Currently, the fundraising campaign has secured a $25,000 planning grant from the Great Lakes Sports Commission and a generous $5 million lead donation from a local champion for kids.

 

Q: How will the operating costs of the building be paid, and are there any funds being set aside for long-term maintenance?

A: A detailed professional financial analysis projects a positive profit margin by the third year of operation, demonstrating the project’s financial outlook. This ensures the facility will be a revenue-generating asset for TCAPS, not diverting resources from teaching and learning. Additionally, TCAPS has received a commitment from TC Tourism: upon completion of construction, they will contribute an immediate $500,000 to an interest-bearing long-term operations/maintenance fund, along with an additional 10-year commitment of $50,000 annually to this fund.