This-N-That
JLG Architects Recognized For White Bear Lake Sports Center
Minneapolis, Minn.—JLG Architects was given the AIA Merit Award for the renovation of White Bear Lake Sports Center in White Bear Lake, Minn. The award program recognizes projects designed by local architects that tell a story of excellence beyond design; emphasize public interest design; and embrace the varied forces that shape a building.
White Bear Lake Sports Center (WBLSC) has survived 50 years of relocation, reassembling, and re-purposing from its former role as a tennis club to its current role serving the hockey and ice-skating programs. On the verge of demolition, WBLSC worked with JLG to lead an extensive vulnerability analysis and sustainable renovation that restored the infrastructure, refrigeration, and ongoing envelope issues. In choosing renovation ($4.5 million) versus new construction, WBLSC is estimated to have saved nearly $6 million while reducing embodied carbon through the re-use of 75 percent of the existing building components. JLG’s design supported critical user updates that improved occupant air quality and interior thermal comfort through sustainable integration and highly efficient systems that enhanced well-being and reduced annual operational costs.
Donated Playworld Equipment Honors First Responders
Lewisburg, Penn.—Playworld donated playground equipment to Hufnagle Park in their hometown to honor first responders and the spirit of volunteerism after firefighters from the borough’s William Cameron Engine Company and 12 other fire departments from the surrounding region extinguished a fire on the playground manufacturer’s campus in May.
Spanning 8,500 square feet of unitary safety surfacing by No Fault Surfaces, Kidsburg includes many new playground elements in climbers, slides, swings, and shade for people ages 2 and up. PlaySoleil solar-powered lighting will illuminate the playground after-hours, shining light in a downward trajectory from atop the equipment.
Kidsburg marks the first-ever installation of the Quito freestanding climber, a geometric-shaped net named after the high-altitude capital of Ecuador. Quito allows children to scale, balance and teeter on the net, promoting physical and cognitive development such as motor skills and coordination as well as problem-solving and critical thinking skills. It also includes an easier passage to the center of the structure.
Husqvarna, Teufelberger Collaborate On Arborist Gear
Charlotte, N.C.—Husqvarna, known for its heritage and industry leadership in chainsaws, partners with climbing gear expert Teufelberger. The collaboration starts in 2022 and launches new climbing gear in North America during the first half of 2023. This move marks an important step in Husqvarna´s ambition to offer a broader selection of solutions for arborists and tree care workers.
Husqvarna has identified a need amongst arborists and tree care workers for products and tools that are designed for their specific professional needs including comfort, efficiency and safety. The collaboration with Teufelberger is a first step in Husqvarna´s ambition to complement its top-of-the-line chainsaw offering with high-quality products that are specifically made for working at height.
Kennesaw Recreational Center Wins Design Award
Kennesaw, Ga—CROFT & Associates newly designed recreational center for the city of Kennesaw has officially opened—and already won its first award. The $10.5-million, 48,700-square-foot recreational center, originally designed to be constructed in two phases, was ultimately completed in its entirety and ahead of schedule. Since opening in January, the facility has experienced high activity, welcoming city residents and the public for events and activities, including basketball, volleyball and pickleball.
Not long after opening its doors, the facility earned First Place Honors for New Construction Management Projects completed by a contractor with $50-100M gross revenue from the Associated General Contractors of Georgia “Build Georgia” award program The award celebrates projects demonstrating design and construction excellence.
The overall facility encompasses three gym floors for multiple indoor sports activities, a gymnastic room, fitness rooms, and administrative office space. The upper level, accessible by both elevator and stairs, leads to an elevated walking track that runs the perimeter of the three gym floors.
The rec center was built on land formerly occupied by a soccer field. It is surrounded by the 33-acre Adams Park, located just west of downtown Kennesaw, which includes baseball and softball fields, tennis courts and pavilions. The city used 2016 SPLOST funds to pay for the construction.
FlowRider Gets A New Look
FlowRider, the stationary wave machine pioneer, has undergone a rebrand for the first time since its launch in 1991. The new brand identity, revealed in July, has been designed to reflect the “passion and forward-looking innovation.”
FlowRider is based on technology which pumps a thin sheet of water over a tensioned ride surface, creating a nonstop wave and an entirely new sport called “flowboarding.”
In 2009, the company became part of waterpark ride company WhiteWater, a move which helped FlowRider increase its global presence and secure its spot as the leader in the stationary wave industry.
Marshall Myrman, president of FlowRider, said: “We’re really excited to have a brand identity that is so representative of our product. “This new branding really nails the curvature of our original FlowRider product, while also being reminiscent of a river wave, which is what our newest product, FlowSurf, is based on. It perfectly ties together our past and our future.”
Field Notes
Vista Professional Outdoor Lighting has appointed Jake Sepulveda as the company’s newest district sales manager in its Landscape Division. He will be responsible for Southern California sales territory, which includes the cities of Riverside and San Bernardino, as well as Las Vegas, Nev.
Aquatic Professionals Offer Free Drowning-Prevention Program
Have you heard that drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4? There is much that can be done to prevent fatal and non-fatal drownings.
The Association of Aquatic Professionals R.E.S.P.E.C.T the Water Drowning Prevention program is free and has three parts:
A portion for children of any age in any setting. It comes with a PowerPoint presentation and an instructor guide.
A portion is for caregivers, parents, grandparents, guardians, etc. This stresses the importance of watching children near any body of water because it only takes a few short moments for something devastating to happen. It also comes with a PowerPoint presentation as well as an instructor guide to follow.
Various videos provided by Olympian Matt Biondi that highlight the key points of the program to be used in conjunction with both the child and caregiver parts of the program.
It is available in English and Spanish; additional books will be available in the coming months. To download the program, visit https://aquaticpros.org/r-e-s-p-e-c-t-the-water-drowning-prevention-campaign/