New fitness center makes space for a ‘brighter, fitter’ future for Jackson College

JACKSON COUNTY, MI – A new Jackson College facility will provide more space for college athletics, student and community workouts and public events.

The Jets Air Station officially opened for public use on May 13. The building houses a rubberized floor with four basketball courts, four volleyball courts, six pickleball courts, two tennis courts and a walking track under its inflatable air dome.

“With the number of Jackson College sports teams, long practice seasons and additional partner needs and requirements, and our continuing education programming, the fieldhouse was being overtaxed,” College President Daniel J. Phelan said in a statement. “Having an additional facility to schedule activities at the same time will be incredibly advantageous to our students, employees and the broader community.”

The air station’s 120-foot-by-330-foot dome began inflation mid-November.

The station includes restrooms, a greeters’ area, bag/shoe storage, a lounge/seating area and vending machines, officials said.

The facility’s inflatable design structure – sometimes referred to as a “sports dome” or “sports bubble” – is used by many colleges, universities and health-based organizations across the nation, Phelan said, adding the structure communicates “athletics here” without specifically advertising it.

The building’s design has other benefits, including minimal materials and reduced construction complexity, officials said.

In addition to more student access, the college plans to offer more engagement opportunities for employees and community members, such as public pickleball sessions.

Officials also said the new building could also serve to enhance the college’s reputation and recruitment capabilities.

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