While the Gymtastiks of Moose Jaw gymnastics club are starting to move into their new home, one of the other tenants of the former Hillcrest Curling Club is hoping for the best.

The Sowden-Flanagan Baseball Training facility opened over a year ago, and co-owner Shane Sowden said they're hopeful for a positive building inspection report coming to city council.

Sowden said they enjoyed a good working relationship with Barb Jesse and the Gymtastiks of Moose Jaw club

“Best case scenario for us is that the building inspection comes back positive, and the city keeps the building open, and they find a new tenant who we can work with,” Sowden said. “It's a great space, and so we’re encouraged there’s a lot of interest in it… we’re curious to see which group, as long as the building inspection comes back in somewhat of a positive light where this building can stay open, who could be the main tenant here and look forward to possibly working with them.”

Moose Jaw Tennis is also currently operating in another part of the facility.

Pending the inspection report, several businesses or organizations have expressed interest in the Hillcrest, which may bode well for the future of the building. Although Gymtastiks is moving out, Sowden said the facility is a great place for community programs, although he admits there are things that will likely need to be updated.

“We’re really hoping another community program can get in here that serves the community so that we can keep the doors open, and I know tennis is hoping the same thing,” he said. “We’d really hate to lose a facility like ours because we’ve been outsourcing a number of things to Regina for a long time, and now in Moose Jaw we’re getting some of these options here in town. We really think it would be a shame to lose a small business like ours, and tennis.”

He’s hopeful that some other sports could potentially move in for training, especially during Covid times.

“I don’t think this thing (COVID) is going away anytime soon, but it’s a healthy option for kids to come here in the evenings or the afternoons, just for their mental health, and get out and do stuff,” Sowden said. “Yes, you have to wear masks, but we do it because you get to do something you love, It’s better than sitting at home doing something.”

Sowden said the busiest time of year for the baseball training facility is between January and March.