College Planning & Management

FEB 2013

College Planning & Management is the information resource for professionals serving the college and university market. Covering facilities, security, technology and business.

Issue link: https://collegeplanning.epubxp.com/i/109241

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 55 of 71

ATHLETIC FIELDS AS AN INVESTMENT { CONT. FROM PAGE 45 } Stormwater management often can be one of the biggest challenges. This issue arose at the College of DuPage, where the project involved not only replacing the current football field but also relocating the track and field facilities and constructing four grass soccer fields. The size of the site presented a problem for stormwater detention, which was solved by burying prefabricated stormwater vaults underneath the fields. The final solution was acceptable to both the College and Practical Advice 1. Take a big-picture view of your project, which encompasses current and future needs regarding: • Stadium structure, bleachers, press boxes, and concession areas • Lockering and training facilities • Utilities infrastructure, including electronics for scoreboards and timing systems for track and field • Pedestrian and vehicular circulation and parking 2. Get construction and project management professionals involved during the design phase to identify and address potential problems before they occur in the field. 3. Stormwater and drainage issues will likely be your biggest 48 COLLEGE PLANNING & MANAGEMENT / FEBRUARY 2013 the village. "Permitting is always a concern, but the team was able to adeptly work through the related issues that allowed us to begin our construction on schedule. As a result, we had our field completed in time for our fall football and soccer home schedules. [We were kept] informed during the entire planning process and there were no surprises — which is always appreciated," Zakowski observes. challenges, so make sure you and your construction partner are familiar with all applicable regulatory ordinances. 4. Put out your bids early — no later than January for a June installation. 5. Be prepared for the unexpected— at one of our sites, for example, we discovered a peat bog underneath the grass field! 6. When installing a new field, put in markings that that will make it easy to add temporary striping for other sports (e.g., lacrosse, which is becoming more popular). CPM Ed Faron is senior design project manager, Craig Polte is construction project manager, and Byron Wyns is director of land development for Wight & Company, Darien, IL (www.wightco.com). WWW.PLANNING 4EDUCATION.COM

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of College Planning & Management - FEB 2013