Arts and crafts and trampolines

WASILLA — The vacant space next to Target in the Cottonwood Creek Place, once occupied by Sports Authority, is finally getting filled. Michaels Stores Inc. and FLY Trampoline Park will split the space, according to permits recently submitted to the City of Wasilla’s public records. The project has the green light and the two businesses are expected to open within the next few months.

It’s been almost two years since Sports Authority closed its doors for the last time after liquidation and their final close out sales. The store debuted in 2009, one year after Target opened and transformed the Cottonwood Creek Mall into the Cottonwood Creek Plaza. The building remained unused, save for the two seasonal leases by the Spirit Halloween store, selling costumes, decorations and other seasonal items.

According to public records, the FLY Trampoline Park permit was submitted by the Alaska Club East office. This will be the second location after the first one launched in Fairbanks last summer. The arena will be filled “wall-to-wall” with trampolines and assorted activates including dodgeball, slam dunk basketball, foam pits, a laser maze, and a “technologically advanced ninja course,” according to a recent press release from the company.

“Get ready to take flight with a new kind of family fun this spring when Fly Trampoline Park opens its gates!” the company boasted in a press release.

Michaels is one of the biggest names for arts and craft supplies across the nation. As of 2017, they have a total of 1,367 locations in 49 states in the U.S. as well as Canada, according to their website. Joann’s Fabric and Craft store serves a similar demand across the Parks Highway.