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chapter

5

Facility Site and Design

5

Facility Site and Design

chapter

Site Location

• Detailed geography (soil, subsoil, vegetation)• Environmental concerns• Population composite (demographics of area)• Constituency representation (political clout)• Flood area (drainage, runoff)• Climate, precipitation, winds, natural disaster

strikes (hurricane paths, tornadoes, earthquakes, floods)

• Capital improvement plan maps (illustrating current and planned projects by council district)

(continued)

Site Location (continued)

• Enterprise zone ownership and land use maps

• Acreage (adequate for buildings, parking, picnic areas)

• Additional acreage for expansion• Shape (acute angles or odd shapes are

possible wasted space)• Topography (level terrain, steep slopes)• Zoning regulations (permit required,

parking, setbacks)• Access (from principal roads, local streets,

truck or bus access)

Site Plan

After the selection of a proposed site, the following features of the site plan should be considered:

• Off-site nuisances (rivers, sewage treatment plants, industries)

• Safety factors (roads, buffer zones, sight lines, emergency access)

• Proper drainage for turf and hard-surface areas (flood zone area)

(continued)

Site Plan (continued)

• Fencing and planting to serve as separation of areas

• Placement of service building for safety, control, and supervision (access for vehicles)

• Layout of walkways for safe and efficient circulation (must meet ADA requirements)

• Lighting of fields, courts, and general areas • Cost of maintenance (preventive and

corrective)

(continued)

Site Plan (continued)

• Provision of first-aid facilities, equipment, and supplies

• Existing topographic features, trees, and vegetation should be used

• Accessibility and use of the site for the aging and disabled

• Use of durable and vandal-proof materials and equipment

Site Cost

• Prime locations will cost the greatest amount.

• Taxes and fees are factored into the cost.• What is the best acquisition option?• What issues should be considered when

deciding to lease a site?• What issues should be considered when

deciding to buy a given property?

Buying vs. Leasing

Benefits of buying:• Long-term plans to

stay• Interest in investing

in the facility• Unique facility

needs• Investment in land

Determents of

buying:• Expensive• Need own money or

need to borrow• Need to pay taxes• Responsible for all

environmental issues

(continued)

Buying vs. Leasing (continued)

Benefits of leasing:• Tax-deductible rent• Can quickly move• No large investment• Not responsible for

major facility problems

Determents of

leasing:• No complete

control of how to use the facility

• No investment growth option

• Potential for large increases in rent

Site Selection

Various factors go into making a finaldecision:

• Review of feasibility studies (economic and political impact)

• Permits (lease, license, or letter)• Site information (environnemental issues)• Regulations (building codes, health

ordinances)• Community involvement

(continued)

Site Selection (continued)

• Financing (public or private)• Easements• Zoning (cluster, flood plain, open space)• Restrictive covenants• Aesthetic value• Recreational opportunities

Site Selection Process

• Site selection criteria• Competitive forces• Suitability of site• Special restrictions• Alternative locations• Location and land• Site development

concerns

• Lease vs. purchase• Tax implications• Mission and goals• Government

regulations• Valuation concerns• Neighbor concerns

Many issues affect decision on final location:

Facility Design

• What are the key components for a sport facility on your campus or in your local community?

• What makes the design of a sport facility unique?

Summary

• Finding the right site for a sport facility is a difficult process requiring significant analysis of the site, the surrounding community, the cost, and the type of design being proposed for the facility.

Discussion Questions and Activities

• What would you include in an arena if you were allowed to build the ultimate arena and cost was not an issue?

• Go to a local sport facility and draw a rough sketch of the facility and then draw your ideal layout (i.e., how you might change the design for the facility to be more effective or to possibly generate more revenue).