H+C Receives 26th & 27th NIRSA Outstanding Sports Facilities Awards
Monday, February 18, 2019
Two of Hastings+Chivetta’s recreation projects, the University of Nevada, Reno E.L. Wiegand Fitness Center and the University of Wisconsin – River Falls Falcon Center, were recently awarded NIRSA Outstanding Sports Facilities Awards which raises the firm’s NIRSA award grand total to 27.
The E.L. Wiegand Fitness Center is a four-story, 108,000 SF fitness facility that reflects innovative design, modern trends and student needs. The highlight of the Center is the unique three-story “stadium stairway” that mimics the experience of running up the steep stairs in a stadium. The stadium stairs lead from the first-floor entry to the fourth floor, where they connect to a 200-meter, 1/8th mile elevated running track. The Fitness Center features one of the largest functional training spaces in the country with the latest in Cross-fit training equipment, stationary fitness equipment, weightlifting and other strength training equipment in addition to flexible, multi-use spaces for yoga, Pilates, Zumba, boxing and aerobics. The University wanted the Fitness Center to serve a singular purpose – to provide fitness offerings to students, faculty and staff. It does not have gathering or study areas; there is no food service; and there are only 15 chairs in the building.
The Falcon Center for Health, Education and Wellness is the largest building project in the University of Wisconsin-River Fall’s 143-year history. The Center houses and supports the University’s Health and Human Performance (HHP) program, Campus Recreation and Falcon Athletics. The new design replaces the existing outdated athletic building which consisted of the Knowles Field House and Hunt Ice Arena.
Hastings+Chivetta designed a significant expansion to the Falcon Center with the Page Arena, an auxiliary gym, locker rooms, offices, a new fitness center, dance studio and the Health and Human Performance Department which includes a laboratory, training rooms and classrooms. Through the renovation and addition, the outdated facility was modernized and expanded to serve the new goals of the University. The Athletic Department will now be able to recruit top basketball and volleyball athletes with the Page Arena and adjoining locker rooms. The Hunt Ice Arena is one of the best Division III hockey arenas in the country. HHP students are now able to have all classes centered in one building.
Presented each year at the NIRSA Annual Conference & Recreational Sports Expo, the Outstanding Sports Facilities Awards honor facilities that demonstrate excellence in a number of critical areas, including architectural design, functionality and how well the facility meets its intended purpose. Winning facilities exemplify the institution’s commitment to providing the higher education experience desired and valued by students.