‘The revitalization of Montour Junction’: A county's vision for a new athletic complex
In July of 2008, Allegheny County (Pennsylvania, USA) administrators announced the donation of 78 acres of land from the Sports Legacy Foundation to develop a world-class athletic complex. The donated property, located within the second most populated county in Pennsylvania, was formerly owned and operated by the Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad. The land has been under environmental clean-up for years and ownership of the property will officially be transferred to Allegheny County Department of Parks once the environmental work is completed. The Sports Legacy Foundation stipulated that the land must be transformed into a facility offering non-traditional playing fields including rugby, soccer, and lacrosse.
‘This is an incredible opportunity to transform a vacant brownfield into a world-class recreational facility,’ Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato said, adding that the project, which has been estimated to cost about $10–$15 million, will be funded through a number of public–private collaborations.
While still in the initial planning phase, there are three key criteria regarding the development of the facility. First, the facility will remain county owned and will ONLY be used for non-traditional sports (e.g. rugby, soccer, lacrosse). Second, the facility will have at least one ‘stadium’ to achieve the goal of being a ‘world-class’ recreational facility. Finally, the facility will contain a large, open green area for at least 10 athletic fields. Refer to the diagram below for a visual perspective of the donated land:
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Other key aspects regarding the donated land
·The property, although level in terrain, is irregular in shape. In addition to this planning and design challenge, the surrounding area has several physical barriers including the Ohio River to the north, a major four-lane route that runs through the greater Pittsburgh area to the south, and residential areas to the south and east of the land.
·The residential areas immediately surrounding the land can be described as blue-collar industrial suburbs with a rich history in the railroad and steel mill industry.
·The head of Montour Trail, a multi-use non-motorized recreational trail near Pittsburgh, PA, that will ultimately extend 46 miles is only one-fifth of a mile to the south of the donated land. The trail is currently used for bicycling, walking, running, cross-country skiing, nature appreciation, and in some designated areas, for horseback riding. It has been proposed to provide a mile-long extension of the trail within the property.
·A stocked trout stream, Montour Run, bisects the donated property. It has been proposed to allow trout fishing access once the facility is completed.
Other key aspects regarding Allegheny County
·The county currently has nine parks that encircle the City of Pittsburgh and encompass 12,000 acres. They provide recreational and leisure activities to more than 11 million visitors annually.
·The landscape can be characterized as rolling hills punctuated by several scenic river valleys. Despite a history of industrial growth, much of the area still contains forests and farming communities.
·All four seasons are experienced with average temperatures ranging anywhere from 18 °F lows in January to 83 °F highs in July. It is not uncommon for temperatures to be more extreme than these averages.
·The population is approximately 1.2 million with a median income of $46,402 and mean age of 40 years old.
Case Developed by Dr Laura L. Miller, Assistant Professor; and Dr Brian Wood, Assistant Professor – California University of Pennsylvania.
Sources:
1. Post Gazette.com, 2008. County unveils plan for sports complex: foundation donates 78-acre parcel in west suburbs. Available from: <http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08191/895693-57.stm> (accessed 09.07.08.).
2. <http://www.county.allegheny.pa.us/>.
3. <http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/42/42003.html>.
Suggested discussion topics
1. Research and summarize one facility complex that could be used as a template/model for Montour Junction Sport Complex. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the researched facility? What amenities/characteristics are desirable or not desirable from this facility? Lastly, what main considerations need to be taken into account when planning and operating the proposed facility such as ADA compliance and accessibility specifications?
2. Considering the proposed development of 10 playing fields within the new athletic complex, what issues or obstacles do you foresee relating to:
a. the positioning, orientation, and placement of the fields;
b. the type(s) of playing surfaces (natural grass vs. synthetic) chosen for the fields;
c. lighting of the fields; and
d. parking.
3. Planning is complex. We must meet the needs of the users, sponsors/donors, fans, employees, volunteers, etc. However, SAFETY is our number one concern in planning. Identify and discuss different safety factors that need to be taken into account while designing the new facility. Completely and thoroughly discuss these factors.
4. Speculate on how the facility will operate. Identify various components that may be included in the facility. How will they operate/who will run them? What specialized skills and experiences are necessary? Identify multiple recruitment opportunities or sources that the county may use to staff the facility.
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© 2010 Butterworth-Heinemann