A center for modern sports and exercise promotion is being built in the 6,000 square metre hall on the Lagerplatz in Winterthur. For the first time in the country, a sports facility will combine action and basic sports under one roof. The "Skillspark" is set to open its doors in winter 2016/17 at the latest.

The "Skillspark" is divided into several areas. The hall also offers a covered facility for skaters, which can also be used for mountain bikes, freestyle BMX, children's bikes and special skis and snowboards on wheels. A practice facility with a foam pit and soft landings invites you to safely approach a stable flying position and tricks. The Olympic sport of BMX can look forward to the only weatherproof training facility in the country. A playground for the youngest visitors is planned in the bistro area.The second part of the hall is dedicated to forms of exercise without wheels. Trampolines with foam pits, a gym area for ball games, a synthetic track for athletics, gymnastics and gymnastics elements, a modern obstacle course, balance equipment and a fitness area offer a wide range of activities for sports enthusiasts of all ages.

The initiator behind the project is Roger Rinderknecht from Winterthur, two-time Olympian and Winterthur Sportsman of the Year 2011. "The Skillspark offers the opportunity to playfully lay the foundations for a safe and healthy everyday life," says Rinderknecht. From toddlers to teenagers and adults, the "Skillspark" offers the opportunity to improve body awareness and keep fit while having fun. There is space for broad-based, multi-sport training for future talents in all sports, including specific training opportunities for top athletes in Olympic disciplines.

"The Abendrot Foundation, owner of the Lagerplatz site, has set itself the goal of continuing to offer exercise for young and old in this hall 193. We were approached by various interested parties for the hall, but we were won over by the "Skillspark" concept," says Klara Kläusler, Head of Real Estate at the Abendrot Foundation. "We are currently in the process of planning the urgently needed energy-efficient refurbishment and the technical adaptation of the infrastructure."

This project has also met with great interest from the city of Winterthur: "I am delighted that the "Skillspark" will bring a new exercise facility to the campground and provide an attractive follow-up solution for the block," says city councillor Stefan Fritschi. "This unique park will be an attractive extension to the sports pass and can also be used for school sports."

The financing of the "Skillspark" has not yet been fully clarified. "The search for partners, sponsors and investors will be the big issue over the next few months," says Roger Rinderknecht.

www.skillspark.ch