Portland Community Squash

For the past two years, Portland Community Squash and Bayside Bowl have worked jointly to plan the construction of a state-of-the-art squash facility above eight new bowling lanes at 71 Hanover Street adjacent to the existing Bayside Bowl. After extensive analysis of different court options, as well as an in-depth engineering review, construction and installation of nine squash courts and a mezzanine turned out to be cost prohibitive on the second floor of the building with bowling lanes below. As a result, developer Justin Alfond and Portland Community Squash have jointly agreed not to continue to plan for the PCS facilities to be located in this expansion project. Justin Alfond stated, "It's been a great opportunity to work with the Portland Community Squash board and other volunteers. Their vision, broad community support and commitment to students are impressive. I remain committed to helping PCS find a location that is the best fit for their project." Barrett Takesian, President of PCS, said: "We appreciate the support that Justin has given us. He has committed substantial resources to trying to make our plan work in his project. He has been a champion of our mission, and we are grateful for his continued support." Moving forward, Portland Community Squash is looking to develop 10,000 - 15,000 square feet of ground-floor space with a ceiling height equal or greater than 22 feet to accommodate eight singles courts, one doubles court, classrooms, and locker rooms. PCS is already in conversations with other developers and touring commercial listings for space that can be adapted to the project. PCS's goal is to take advantage of the 2016 construction season so as to have the new squash facility built by the fall of 2016. PCS is proud of its many accomplishments to date: $500,000 raised for its Capital Campaign 1,577 individuals on its mailing list 694 financial supporters 496 interested in future membership 6 school partners By building the first regulation squash facility in Maine, beyond the colleges, Portland Community Squash will provide Portland youth and adults with a versatile squash facility where paying members, junior leagues and an urban squash program will thrive under one roof. Membership fees will cover the operating expenses of the facility, the junior squash league will give students from the greater Portland area a chance to compete at the national level, and our urban squash program, Rally Portland, will combine squash, academic support, and community service to help students from low income backgrounds navigate the road from middle school to college graduation. Please reach out to PCS President, Barrett Takesian at [email protected], with inquiries.