Stafford Hills Racquet and Fitness Club has a strong connection to nature.

The bustling construction site at 5916 Nyberg Lane, just across from Browns Ferry Park, suggests that Stafford Hills Racquet and Fitness Club is on schedule for its projected opening this Thanksgiving. General Manager Jeff Breit reports that the club is nearly at its goal of 500 pre-signed members.

As per the conditional-use permit granted to the developer, Zupancic Rathbone Law Group, the 16-acre property has had to preserve 10 of its acres as wetlands. The other six acres are shaping up to house a top-of-the-line wellness facility that is seeking Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification, according to Director of Project Management Maggie Creps.

“In conjunction with restoring these wetlands, we’ve designed a sustainable building,” said Creps. “Everything from this building is made from sustainable products, so it will receive a sustainable building designation. All of our flooring, the different products we’re using, even the steel has been manufactured in such a way that it either uses recycled materials or the manufacturing process is a sustainable process. Our pool will be heated by solar thermal panels. We’ll have electric vehicle charging stations in the parking lot.”

The clubhouse was designed so a photovoltaic power station could later be added for even more solar power to the wellness center, Creps said.

Stafford Hills’ green initiative includes incorporating the surrounding wetlands into the club experience. With a design that relies heavily on high ceilings and large windows, there are direct views to the natural world outside.

The open design is also intended to enhance the club’s social experience, Breit said.

Stafford Hills’ high-visibility design ensures club members feel connected to other areas of the facilities at all times. The seven indoor tennis courts will be viewable by a “sky box,” which will offer seating so members can watch matches take place below. From that vantage point, the Clubhouse café and fitness center are a glance away.

“Outside views and outside open air is such an energy-builder for folks. You’re going to see huge vistas on either side of the club,” Breit said.

A second building houses the club’s salon, demonstration kitchen, yoga studios and a comprehensive physical therapy program through a partnership with Therapeutic Associates. Clients do not have to be a member of Stafford Hills Racquet and Fitness Club to take advantage of this service, said Crebs.In addition to the indoor tennis courts, Stafford Hills will offer three outdoor courts, an estimated 50 to 80 group fitness and yoga classes a week, and cardiovascular screenings. The Technogym brand of fitness and weight-training equipment, according to Breit, is a top-of-the-line system that monitors and tracks user progress, which can then be reported to trainers or physicians according to user preference.

The tennis courts and the pool are ADA-compliant.