If you’ve seen the early construction activity next to Skylark Children’s Academy, you might be curious about what’s popping up. We recently chatted with Rob McDonald and John Malfatto, the owners of the burgeoning Skyliner Club, a new world-class fitness facility being built in Discovery West. Set to open in summer 2027, the club will feature an indoor swimming pool, group fitness and training, weights, sports courts, a cafe, and a community park lined with food trucks.
Q: What prompted you to select the Discovery West location for Skyliner Club?
Skyliner Club: It’s a perfect location near thriving and growing neighborhoods, three schools, and all of the hiking, biking, and running trails accessed via Phil’s Trail. The mountain and desert views our members will have from the upper deck is the cherry on top!
Q: How long has this idea been in the making?
Skyliner Club: About three years ago John—a former collegiate swimmer who was teaching kids to swim locally—noted that Central Oregon lacked indoor pool space. He initially conceived of a pool-specific facility, but that idea evolved as he and Rob realized that Bend also lacked a modern health and fitness center, and voilà, Skyliner Club was born.
Q: How did you meet and become partners?
Skyliner Club: We each have three daughters and met as parents of club soccer players. This is our first project together but potentially not our last.
Q: Will you be offering property tours for interested community members?
Skyliner Club: Yes. This spring, we’ll have an office at the construction site where folks can learn more about the club and membership opportunities. Once we open our doors in the summer of 2027, we’ll offer property tours.
Q: What are the facilities and amenities you have planned for the club?
Skyliner Club: Our indoor swimming pool will offer six wide lanes, as well as a splash pad for toddlers, and a large hot tub. On warmer days, garage doors will open to the outside, and to a sun deck.
Skyliner Club will also offer group fitness and training, yoga, weights, and a recovery zone (saunas and cold plunges), as well as basketball, pickleball, and volleyball courts, a cafe, and a community park. The second story includes an events deck, quiet spaces for work, and physical therapy and child care services.
Q: What will make Skyliner Club stand out from other athletic facilities in the area?
Skyliner Club: We’re excited to build a community where our members want to spend time even when they’re not working out. We’ll offer robust athletic and social events, from fun runs and yoga retreats to author readings, health-themed lectures, holiday parties, and more.
Q: Can you share details on the food truck lot amenity and when that will be open?
Skyliner Club: We envision our food trucks as a place where athletes can fuel up before or after they head to Phil’s Trail, but also a place where busy families can grab a bite as they shuttle between school and soccer practice.
Q: Anything else you’d like to share?
Skyliner Club: We’re really excited to build something that we think the community will love. Come say hi!
If you would like to receive updates and be notified when memberships become available in 2027, join their list here. And if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to [email protected].