New Projects: University of Nebraska; Fox Cities Stadium; Rock Fitness

An upgrade of the University of New Orleans' Maestri Field at Privateer Park is now under way. The $2.5 million project will construct a new stadium structure with press boxes, luxury suites, updated chair-back seating and a new entrance.

(Renderings courtesy of University of Nebraska Kearney)

An upgrade of the University of New Orleans' Maestri Field at Privateer Park is now under way. The $2.5 million project will construct a new stadium structure with press boxes, luxury suites, updated chair-back seating and a new entrance. The project, designed by Sizeler Thompson Brown Architects of New Orleans, is expected to be complete by November. A previous phase of construction included a redesign of the clubhouse, a new locker room, meeting rooms and offices.

The University of Nebraska Kearney's Cushing Coliseum (pictured) is currently closed as construction of a wellness center begins. The 19,000-square-foot addition, designed by Leo A Daly of Omaha, will include cardio and strength training areas and a climbing wall gym on the first floor that will be open to students, faculty and staff. The second floor will house the Human Performance Lab and other academic spaces.

Construction begins this month on a new recreation center in Pasadena, Newfoundland. The facility will include a climbing wall, a fitness center, a gymnasium, a walking track and multipurpose spaces. The center will be built adjacent to an existing outdoor recreation area that includes courts for tennis and basketball, soccer and baseball fields, and walking paths. The design calls for geothermal heating and energy-efficient lighting.

The Elk Grove (Ill.) Park District has closed its Pavilion Aquatic Center for renovations. The existing six-lane indoor lap pool will be expanded to include two additional lanes and a diving area, the outdoor lap pool will be replaced, and a new warm-water exercise pool will be added. The locker rooms and fitness center will also be updated, as well as the existing lagoon pool and whirlpool. The indoor component of the project is expected to take 10 to 12 months to complete, at which time construction of the new outdoor pool will begin.

First Pitch

The University of Nebraska Board of Regents has approved funding for a new $76 million arena. The 200,500-square-foot facility will be home to the school's volleyball, basketball and hockey programs, as well as provide an event space for graduations and concerts. The university is now working on raising $35 million in private funding for the project and finalizing the design. Construction is expected to begin later this year and take two years to complete... A committee has launched a campaign to raise $1.4 million for the renovation of 85-year-old Doyle Field in Brewer, Maine. The first round of renovations will address drainage issues and install a synthetic turf field to better handle demand for use, which has quadrupled over the past five years. Further renovations will include a new press box, a concessions stand, restrooms and locker rooms. If additional funds become available, the committee hopes to add chain-link fencing and energy-efficient lighting... The University of Washington Tacoma has partnered with the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties to build a $20 million fitness center. The facility will be known as University Y and will be open to both YMCA members and university students, staff and faculty, who will also be able to utilize the YMCA's other seven locations. In addition to a gymnasium and cardio, weight and group exercise rooms, the building will include a new student union. Construction is expected to begin within the next 12 months... The YMCA of Greater Kansas City, Mo., has announced plans to construct a new downtown facility. Slated for completion by early 2016, the larger facility will replace three smaller neighborhood YMCAs. A location has been selected, and a fundraising campaign has kicked off. The overhaul, which also includes renovations to two other YMCAs, is estimated to cost $60 million to $65 million.

Grand Openings

Fox Cities Stadium

(Photos by Ann Mollica)
(Photos Courtesy of Cherokee County Aquatic Center)

A new 40,000-square-foot fitness center opens this month in Largo, Fla. The Highland Recreation Center, designed by Gould Evans of Tampa, includes a state-of-the-art fitness center and exergaming room, basketball courts, a walking track and a three-story indoor playground featuring a climbing structure with slides. The design also incorporates an existing aquatic center. After the grand opening, the previous recreation center will be demolished, and new tennis courts will be added... The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers minor league franchise debuted its renovated Time Warner Field at Fox Cities Stadium (right) last month in Grand Chute, Wis. The $6 million project included the addition of second-level suites, club seating and a banquet hall, as well as expanded concessions areas and restrooms. An updated clubhouse offers a new player lounge, expanded weight and training rooms, and coaches' offices. Pendulum Studio of Kansas City, Mo., designed the project... The long-awaited Paine's Park is scheduled to open this month in Philadelphia. The mixed-use park was designed with an emphasis on skateboarding but is intended to draw other users. The $5 million park was designed by Friday Architects/Planners Inc. of Philadelphia... The Cherokee County Aquatic Center (lower right) opens this month in Holly Springs, Ga. The $15 million project, designed by Cooper Carry of Atlanta, includes an indoor component that houses a 50-meter competition pool with spectator seating to be used by all of the school district's swim teams, a 25-yard recreational pool, two party rooms and a seating area overlooking the pool. The zero-depth-entry outdoor pool, to be open during summer months, features an aquatic play structure, water slides, water cannons, a lazy river and more. A concessions stand and locker rooms will serve both indoor and outdoor users... Rock Fitness Climbing Gym and Rec Center is now open in Wildomar, Calif. The center features more than 20,000 square feet of climbing terrain for various experience levels, as well as 4,000 square feet of strength-and-conditioning equipment, and a gymnasium for basketball and volleyball. An upper level includes a cardio area, a childcare area, and spaces for yoga, karate and other exercise classes.