Strafford Sports Center to close in May

A 6-year-old Strafford business centered on youth sports is shuttering, according to a company Facebook post. 

Officials with Strafford Sports Center, 9007 E. Evergreen St., announced Feb. 17 that the planned closure is set for May. The 33,200-square-foot facility, which includes four indoor basketball courts, a kids’ zone gaming area and a concession stand, opened in 2020, according to Springfield Business Journal archives. 

In the post, officials thanked Strafford and the surrounding communities for their support.

“Thank you for trusting us with your children, for supporting youth sports and for showing up day after day, season after season,” the post says. “The relationships built here mean more than words can fully express, and your support over these six years will never be forgotten.”

When reached by phone Feb. 18, General Manager Courtney Benard declined additional comment.

SBJ additionally reached out to Strafford Sports Center owner Darrel Wilson, who also is founder and CEO of Wilson Logistics Inc. Wilson released a statement noting his trucking company has owned the youth sports facility for the past two years.

“We looked forward to strengthening our connection with the community of Strafford and participating in the activities of our youth,” the statement reads. “While the sports center was busy and full during tournament season, we lacked the connections and resources to continue to book the center during the down season. This led us ultimately to the hard decision that we would need to cease operations as it was not covering the cost to run it.”

Adding that ownership is “deeply saddened” by the closure, officials indicate in the statement a desire to find “a viable solution to bring it back online in some capacity that will serve the community.”

“We are open to leasing the complex as well to facilitate that goal,” the statement reads.

Wilson declined to answer additional questions.

Aside from basketball, the Strafford Sports Center also offers volleyball and pickleball, according to its website.