The Prairie Township Community Center’s design focuses on telling the story of Prairie Township and the site abutting a wetland and residential neighborhood, while promoting the opportunity for activity within the community. Materials and finishes are residential in personality, have a natural design aesthetic and a modern rural vernacular appropriate to the site.
The aquatic area, fitness center, gymnasium, elevated track, administration area and multipurpose rooms are arranged in an array centering on the welcoming entry lobby, enabling supervision of much of the facility. The natatorium is situated at the pivotal location of the site — at the corner of the building near the entry along a 50-mile-an-hour state route. This leisure pool was specifically designed for all ages, with a zero-depth beach entry transitioning to the open-water area with hydrotherapy benches and an adjoining vortex. Two lap lanes flow into the deep-water area equipped with a climbing wall and diving board. The sprayground is located at the rear of the facility, with the wetland and woodlands as backdrop. One key design precedent was the sprayground’s cattail-styled spray feature.
Office space is near the entry lobby and adjacent to the family care center and multipurpose rooms. The elevated walking/jogging track encapsulates the gymnasium and fitness center with views across the facility and to the wetland beyond.
