By Sara Beth Williams–
An indoor batting cage facility could soon be coming to the Grand Oaks Shopping Center, if plans successfully make their way through the city’s planning and permitting process.
City documents show Tunnel Vision Training and Performance submitted an application for a minor use permit to the City of Citrus Heights on June 12, with plans to operate at 7927 Auburn Blvd.
Citrus Heights Community Development Director Casey Kempenaar said last month that the training facility’s application is currently under review. Within thirty days, the city will send a letter to the applicant outlining whether the project was approved, denied, or if additional information is required for determination.
A draft site map submitted to the city shows plans for a 7,500-square-foot facility, located in a currently vacant space between Grand Oaks Bingo Center and Global Printing.
In a letter submitted to the city from Andy Candela of Tunnel Vision Training and Performance, Candela states the facility plans to operate five non-mechanical batting cages which can be rented by the hour. “The athlete requires a practice thrower that stands behind a standard baseball L screen,” Candela said.
In addition to hourly rentals, the training center plans to offer a small retail space with the purpose of selling new and used sports equipment, and sports collectables.
Proposed hours of operations are Sunday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m,. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. The late-night weekend hours are intended to attract college-aged athletes, according to Candela.
If the facility is approved for a minor use permit and no other information is needed for determination, Kempenaar said the tenant plans to begin interior renovations as soon as possible and hopes to open the new training facility by the end of summer.
