Gymnasium, Highland Parks Department - Town of Highland, IN
The Highland Parks and Recreation Department was interested in constructing a new facility to benefit Highland residents. Their vision was to create a space for indoor athletic tournaments, community theater and musical productions, and recreational use.
NIES Engineering, Inc. worked closely with the Highland Parks and Recreation Board to turn this idea into a reality. The project involved coordinating design of architectural, mechanical, electrical, and structural systems. During design and construction, NIES engineers were in continual contact with Highland Parks and Recreation staff to ensure that each significant design decision was in keeping with the intent of the Board. Financed by the Town of Highland Park and Recreation Building Corporation, the Multipurpose Facility was completed in 1998.
The pre-engineered structure is approximately 40,000 square feet, and is widely used by the residents of Highland. The building houses four full-length basketball courts which are capable of converting to use as volleyball courts. Each court has retractable basketball backstops and a scoreboard for use in tournament play. Encircling the courts is a four-lane, one-eighth-mile track, which is used extensively for walking, jogging, and rollerblading during inclement weather. On the west end of the building is a stage, complete with sound system, and lighting. This enables the Town to use the facility for theater productions, concerts, and social events.
Use of the facility is free for Highland residents, but the Town charges usage fees for nonresidents. These usage fees, along with rental fees for use of the facility as an exposition space, have brought new cash flow into the Town - this helps to fund programs that further benefit the residents of Highland.
Key Points
- Versatility
- Long-Term Planning
- Community Focus
