We’re inside the Narrow Valley Sportsplex in Nesquehoning, just a short drive from downtown Jim Thorpe. This former industrial space has been transformed into a vibrant indoor sports facility. Kathy Reaman is the visionary behind this transformation.

A Full-Service Fitness Destination

Kathy shared more about what’s inside:

“And batting cages as well. We have a full fitness area with cardio, circuit, and free weights. When you're a fitness member here, you're not just a fitness member—you get all the additional benefits of the batting cages, basketball courts, volleyball courts, and the soccer area. So it's kind of exciting.”

From Fire Trucks to Fitness

This building once housed KME, a family-run manufacturer that built fire trucks for departments around the world. After it closed, the future of the site was uncertain.

“It pulls at your heartstrings,” Kathy said. “This couldn’t just sit empty. It had to be something. It had to be something for the community.”

Nesquehoning, the oldest mining town in Carbon County, needed a place for all ages to gather, play, and stay active.

Sport Court and Smart Design

One standout feature is the indoor track made with Sport Court flooring.

“Sport Court is better for your joints,” Kathy explained. “There’s cushioning here. So even though people love walking outside, they still came all summer long because they don’t have to worry about tripping. It’s much better on their joints.”

Golf All Year Long

Brandon Heffelfinger, the Sportsplex director, introduced us to another exciting addition: an indoor golf simulator.

“We have a brand-new golf simulator here. It’s a True Golf Apex Apogee simulator with over 3,000 courses ready to play. After a swing, it shows launch angle, deviation, ball spin, club face—all the analytics. Players can log in, track their progress, and have a good time.”

A Community Reinvested

Carbon County Commissioner Michael Sofranko praised the effort:

“They’ve reinvested. Same families still here. Kathy’s still here. They’re giving back to the community. It’s not a beat-up old factory—it’s something new, and it’s going to be here for generations.”

Across the Street: A Ride Through History

Just steps away from the Sportsplex is the Reading & Northern Railroad passenger station. In summer 2024, Chris and Deanna were there for the grand opening.

Jamie Makin from the railroad shared:

“It’s something that’s fun for everybody of all ages. Kids are excited about their first trip, and parents are excited to do something they did as a kid.”

The station includes a gift shop, lobby, restrooms, and free parking—making it easy for riders to explore destinations beyond Jim Thorpe.

“This station sends trains out of town,” Jamie said. “It gives locals and visitors more options than we offer out of Jim Thorpe.”

A Town with New Hope

Lois Kuba, a council member and part of the Nesquehoning Historical Society, reflected on the town’s transformation:

“Five years ago, our future was very bleak. Having things like this—we can see a future. More entrepreneurship, building relationships with the railroad and Narrow Valley Sportsplex to bring other entities into town.”

From coal mining to community building, Nesquehoning is writing a new chapter.

“If Sonny Kovatch were still alive,” Commissioner Sofranko said, “he might not have loved pickleball during work hours—but he’d be proud to see the place being used and giving back to the community.”

Kathy added:

“It’s a place where you do want to raise your children. It’s exciting to see people come together and ask, ‘How can we make this better?’ There’s a grassroots effort here to make this the best it can be.”