NEW ALBANY FIELDHOUSE
New Albany, Ohio
CHALLENGE
To create a transformative community destination that serves diverse recreational, educational, and social needs while uniting the New Albany community through thoughtful design that balances state-of-the-art athletic facilities with vibrant gathering spaces for all generations.
SOLUTION
WSA collaborated with community stakeholders to develop a visionary concept for the New Albany Fieldhouse & Community Center, leading to successful public support and passage of a 2022 tax levy that funded this ambitious 190,000-square-foot facility. Through extensive engagement sessions with residents and local leaders, our team helped articulate a shared vision that resonated with the community's aspirations for a multi-generational gathering place.
The architectural concept organizes the facility around two primary activity hubs – a turf fieldhouse and a hardcourt/track fieldhouse – complemented by a diverse ecosystem of community-focused spaces including multipurpose rooms, art studios, fitness areas, and technology labs. Our design emphasizes strategic transparency between zones, creating visual connections that celebrate community energy while maintaining acoustic separation between activities. A programmable outdoor patio extends programming opportunities and connect interior functions with the natural environment.
The material palette balances durability required for high-traffic athletic environments with the warmth needed for a true community gathering place. Environmental graphics and branding elements throughout the facility celebrate New Albany's identity while creating an inspiring atmosphere that encourages both physical activity and social connection.
IMPACT
The groundbreaking in October 2024 marked a significant milestone in a journey that began with the successful 2022 levy campaign, demonstrating how thoughtful architectural vision can unite diverse stakeholders around shared goals. Upon completion, the facility will dramatically expand recreational opportunities for the 5,300 families in the New Albany-Plain Local School District, providing year-round access to athletic facilities that were previously unavailable within the community. Beyond sports, the center's multipurpose spaces, AWS Think Big Space, art rooms, and technology labs will nurture creativity, technological literacy, and lifelong learning across generations.