HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Previously a newspaper man who invested 31 years of his life to delivering the news, Facility Coordinator Tony Henson has found his passion running the Planters Bank-Jennie Stuart Health Sportsplex in Hopkinsville. His lifelong love of sports and experience as a coach led him to the new venture.
Leaving the print days behind him, Henson is now facilitating leagues, assigning courts, and making sure the Sportsplex provides the community with strong programming and tournaments. He was hired before the building opened, which was in 2019. According to Henson, the Sportsplex was a natural fit for Hopkinsville, and his previous experience actually helps with the day to day.
“I supervised people anywhere between 8 years old to 80 years old; to some degree that hasn’t changed,” said Henson. “Some of responsibilities are similar; a lot of the logistical stuff is the same. It’s just sports versus the newspaper.”
What is the Sportsplex?
“We want to be sure something is offered for every demographic, every age, and gender to have a reason to come in our building,” Henson told Christian County Now.
Aside from daily open gym time, the flexible space houses over 50 teams for a variety of sports. The court contains 18 hoops that can convert to three high school regulation-sized courts, or six elementary school-sized courts, or six volleyball courts.
They make the majority of their money hosting tournaments and selling food at their concession stand. Bleachers can seat 1,100 people, and additional activities like CrossFit, archery, batting cages, walking, birthday parties and craft shows are all elements of what Henson believes makes the facility so different.
“I like the unique things that you don’t normally see around Hopkinsville,” said Henson when asked about what his favorite programs are. He explained that he loves giving the community, especially youth, a safe place to come and spend their time.
It’s all about the turf
What makes the Sportsplex stand out from other recreation areas is the indoor turf field. Marching bands along with lacrosse, baseball, soccer and flag football teams frequently use it. While a turf field may leave some athletes hesitant, Henson said the material has come a long way from the “old school” turf.
The field contains around 120,000 pounds of crumb-rubber and sand spread on top to provide the grip and bounce of natural grass. Every aspect of the field has been carefully designed for maximum efficiency, from the folded edge of the turf around the field, to the red line painted across the glass enclosure. Particular maintenance is also required to keep it in mint condition for players.
Henson describes their machine as similar to a lawn sweeper attached to a mower that is designed to redistribute the crumb-rubber. They also use a large magnet to clear the field of fallen objects. While the Sportsplex was being built, officials initially doubted the field’s use, but it has proven to be an unusual asset.
Henson said he hasn’t looked back since the facility opened and is proud of the services they are able to provide. “If I could have done this at 18 when I started working in the newspaper business, I would have done this and never even given that a blink.”
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