Building Athletic Facilities

THE DYNAMICS OF A CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

Role of the Owner:

   • Provide the vision & resources for the project.

Role of the Contractor:

               • Build the facility.

Role of the Engineer:

               • What does the Engineer do?

THE ENGINEERS ROLE

PROVIDE UNBIASED EXPERTISE DURING ALL PHASES OF THE PROJECT… FROM A THRU E.

A: PLANNING & BUDGETING

• Conceptual Site Plan, Preliminary Cost Estimate, Etc.

B: DESIGN

• Analysis, Reports, Construction Drawings & Specifications.

C: PERMITTING

• Work through legal processes with cities, counties, etc.

D: PROCUREMENT ASSISTANCE

• Assist to find the best value Contractor.

E: CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT & OBSERVATION

• Ensure that drawings and specifications are followed and that the project stays on time and budget.               

STEP A: PLANNING & BUDGETING: STAGES OF PLANNING & BUDGETING

Students and parents will choose a college or university for academics, safety, quality facilities and successful athletic programs. This is an ongoing plan of action and is in the best interest of the institution and all stakeholders to plan and budget for all these reasons. Conceptual Site Plans, Preliminary Cost estimates and Funding mechanisms should constantly be considered and updated. 

STEP A: PLANNING & BUDGETING - ADMINISTRATIVE- PERFORM A NEEDS ASSESSMENT

·        What is the age of your facility

·        Are the facilities adequate in size and capacity?

·        Are the facilities functional/user friendly?

·        Are the facilities safe?

·        How do your facilities compare to other colleges and universities within your conference,

         region and similar size?

·        Success and strength of programs?

·        Is there support from School President, Board of Directors or Chancellor?

STEP A: PLANNING ENGINEERING - PERFORM A NEEDS ASSESSMENT

·        Is the property large enough?

·        What are the existing site conditions, utilities, subgrade, water table, flood potential, storm drain capacity,            permitting requirements, etc.

·        Is there an agreed upon Concept Site Plan?

·        What is not known and what are the possible risks of these unknowns?

·        Are there contingencies and back-up plans laid out to address things that may come up that increase cost          and time requirements?

BUDGETING:

·        Many facilities are beyond their life expectancy and are neither functional or safe.

·        There has been a huge effort to update facilities to satisfy Title IX complaints and to offer

                     facilities to meet students’ expectations.

·        Funding mechanisms for athletic facilities are important.

·        Students want and need places to give them a break from dorm life,

                     library and the classroom.

·        Research supports these facilities because they are important to physical and mental wellbeing.

BUDGET CONSIDERATIONS

·        How will the project be funded?

·        What is minimum amount needed?

·        What is essential and what is wanted? (Alternates)?

·        What products, systems, amenities are desired?

·        Estimated costs + contingencies

·        What is the maximum amount available?

·        What is in hand?

·        Are there back up resources?

·        Will the community support the project?

·        Show them the value… in detail!