Specialty spaces like sports facilities require significant planning and programming because of the amount of usage and variety of activities they support. These sports facilities provide athletic and activity space for the athletic community and are often operating seven days a week. It is critical to have the input of athletic staff, administration and members of the community. Questions about which activities will take place, what event support spaces are required, hours of operation and community use need to be answered. DRA's strength is in our ability to collect this type of information and ensure that all options and ideas are addressed, including those of cost. Our knowledge of safety requirements, standard dimensions and height restrictions, along with our understanding of the acoustical, lighting, environmental control, flooring and management consideration allow us to develop the best solution for the school and community.
Renovation and Addition to facilities:
Gymnasium, locker facility addition, athletic field renovation - Westford Academy
Pool facility renovations, gymnasium addition - Greater Lawrence Technical School
Field house renovations, weight training facility - Amherst-Pelham Regional High School
Field house addition, synthetic varsity field/track facility - Milton High School
New facilities:
Raised indoor track, gymnasium, specialty gym facilities - Belchertown High School
Natatorium, field house, dance studio, fitness center - Tantasqua Regional High School
Ice rink facility, weight training, climbing wall, family and competition pool facilities - Marshfield Athletic Complex
Synthetic varsity track and field facility, weight training facility, dance and aerobic studio - Weymouth High School
In each of these athletic venues we have designed facilities that meet the needs of the institution, the community, and the athletes that use them. In Fitchburg, MA where the school and community have a strong athletics focus, the highlight feature of the New Fitchburg High School is a 42,300 SF Field House serving the students of Fitchburg High and the residents of the city of Fitchburg. With space devoted to full indoor track facilities, basketball courts, a climbing wall, weight room, aerobics area, physical therapy suite, office space, locker rooms and a storage area. The telescoping bleachers can seat 1,500 fans for athletic events.
In Belchertown, MA the School Building Committee was anxious to incorporate town needs in to the design resulting in a very unique indoor walking track. Community seniors use the track for fitness walking. The track is well above the court surface so as not to distract or interfere with the gym and court level use.
In Sturbridge, MA original plans for Tantasqua Regional High School had called for a regulation-sized gym. When DRA was hired we were able to adapt the design of the facility to achieve a full sized field house for the same cost. In addition, this school includes a natatorium for school and community use. The athletic facilities form a dedicated wing of the facility that can be sealed off from the rest of the building for security purposes.
