Three basic steps to building a facility

• Is there a problem? Determine if there is a significant problem with the current facility. Eg. Teaching stations, practice space, injuries, repair, spectator problems.
• Assessment: In depth needs assessment. Assessment study or “case statement.” Includes philosophy, review of current facility, future assessment, architect selection criteria, cost analysis, transition plans, and other support data. Program dictates the facilities.
• Solution: Could be to keep existing structure, make modifications to current structure, plan a cheaper facility, go ahead with the plans, or put plans on hold. Obtain authorization from higher authorities.

Planning committee: Committee uses checklists and adds items to check lists.

• Owner or user: Chair of department, maintenance people, student, at least 2 teachers or coaches (male and female) who are experts in the primary sports included in the facility.
• Designers and builders: Architect, contractors, etc.
• Central business office or owners who are fiscally responsible. Accountant, VP of finance, president, principal, etc. (Gimple, 1992)

Legal considerations

• Title IX requires equal facilities for men and women.
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Public Law 101-336 requires full accommodation for disabled.
• Safety. Use United States Products Safety Commission (CPSC) for playgrounds. Sub committee is American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) sets standards on equipment.

Indoor facilities: Site selection, activity space, surfaces, acoustics, signage, changing rooms, lighting, climate control, seating, special areas, ice rinks, security.

Outdoor facilities: Site selection, natural grass vs synthetic and hybrid, lights?, seating, tracks, tennis courts, covered structures.

Sample Planning Procedure

1. Identification of problem? Assess problem? Can you solve it? Solution.
2. Determine program needs (proposal).
3. Get approval: Get approval to do it right. Do not cut corners.
4. Feasibility study
5. Form planning committee: Include Users, Designers and builders, Central business office, Outside consultant

Other building considerations

• Selecting a firm: Campus architect, check other work, buildings, references
• Detailed checklist of planning procedures.
• Plan for the future.
• Security design

Note: some of this information is based on Horine, L. E., & Stotlar, D. K. (2004). Administration of Physical Education and Sport Programs, (5th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.