Soft Play — Fishers Recreation Center & SkyCourse
- Facility Name: Fishers Recreation Center
- City, State: Fishers, Ind.
- Type of Facility: Recreation Center
- Architectural Firm: Hagerman
- Status: Complete
- Square Footage: 5,300
- Number of Floors: Multilevel play structure; two-story
The Fishers Recreation Center features a dynamic new play destination that redefines how families experience recreation and connection. Soft Play partnered with Hagerman Group to design and build this 5,300-square-foot, two-story adventure playground, a vibrant centerpiece of the city’s long-anticipated community hub.
At the heart of the space is SkyCourse, Soft Play’s signature non-belayed high ropes system, offering children up to age 12 the excitement of climbing and balance challenges—no harness required. With varying levels of difficulty, SkyCourse encourages confidence, coordination, and courage in a safe, controlled, and contained environment.
Complementing the main structure is a dedicated toddler zone that ensures every child has a place to play, explore, and grow. Together, these elements create an inclusive environment where imagination drives movement and play sparks connection.
Blending creative design, precision engineering, and a passion for interactive experiences, Soft Play transformed the Fishers Recreation Center into a community destination where families come together, friendships flourish, and the joy of play takes center stage.
OLC — Southern Recreation Center
- Facility Name: Southern Recreation Center
- City, State: Palm Coast, Fla.
- Cost of Project: $7M
- Type of Facility: Indoor/Outdoor Recreation Building
- Architectural Firm: OLC Architecture, Interiors and Aquatics
- Lead Architect Name: Sam Elsheikh, President, AIA, LEED AP
- Status: Complete
- Square Footage: 11,500
- Number of Floors: 2
The Southern Recreation Center is a versatile indoor/outdoor facility designed to offer a wide range of recreational activities. The building features a spacious social lobby, an outdoor seating area with views of the tennis and pickleball courts, men's and women's locker rooms, a food and beverage kitchen and bar, multipurpose community rooms, viewing balconies, and administrative support areas. The facility boasts 12 pickleball courts, with six of them covered, and will be connected to the Trail Head facility, serving as a central hub for various recreational activities. The city is aiming to achieve LEED Gold certification for this project.
EP Climbing — Mount Vernon Rec Center
- Facility Name: Mount Vernon Rec Center
- City, State: Alexandria, Va.
- Cost of Project: $74M
- Type of Facility: Community Recreation Center
- Architectural Firm: Ritter Norton
- Lead Architect Name: Harry Kelly
- Status: Complete
- Square Footage: 139,000 for rec center; Climbing and Bouldering—1,531
- Number of Floors: 2
The renovated Mount Vernon Recreation Center in Alexandria, Va., represents a major investment in community health, wellness, and engagement. The 139,000-square-foot facility now includes an expanded ice arena, upgraded aquatics center, modern fitness areas, multipurpose community spaces, and the center’s first-ever climbing facility.
Spanning 1,531 square feet, the new two-story climbing wall and bouldering area were designed to engage participants of all ages and abilities. The wall features multiple auto-belay stations to support independent climbing and a dedicated bouldering zone for skill development and diverse programming. The facility accommodates up to six climbers simultaneously and is available for drop-in use during staffed hours.
To further support climber development, the center offers instructor-led classes ranging from introductory technique to advanced skills. The facility also hosts group events and birthday parties, combining one hour of climbing with access to a private party space for up to 20 participants.
By integrating climbing into its comprehensive recreation offerings, Mount Vernon Rec Center has created a versatile and inclusive facility that encourages active participation, builds community, and provides opportunities for growth and engagement.
JLG Architects — Altru Sports Complex
- Facility Name: Altru Sports Complex
- City, State: Grand Forks, N.D.
- Cost of Project: Phase 1: $90M | Phase II: $19M
- Type of Facility: Indoor Sports/Aquatics Complex
- Architectural Firm: JLG Architects + BRS Architecture
- Lead Architect Name: JLG Architects—Adam Davidson, AIA, LEED AP, Principal
- Architect + Miranda Deutz, Project Manager
- Status: Phase I Under Construction
- Square Footage: Phase I: 215,000 | Phase II: 60,000
- Number of Floors: 2 (ground/main level & mezzanine)
On June 27, 2025, the City of Grand Forks, Grand Forks Park District, and Altru Health Systems celebrated the groundbreaking of the new Altru Sports Complex, designed by Architect-of-Record JLG Architects, with McGough Construction, Construction Engineers, and BRS Architecture. Phase I, including 215,000 square feet, anticipates an October 2027 opening, while Phase II—adding basketball/volleyball courts and sports training—is scheduled for a spring 2028 completion. Altogether, the facility will bring indoor community recreation, with tournament play and on-site access to sports performance and training informed by a 2023 feasibility study. The complex will provide the region with a 50-meter indoor competition pool, a 25-yard instructional pool, full-size soccer and football turf, eight pickleball courts, an elevated walking/running track, and Altru sports performance and training spaces. The complex will also be the primary practice and home competition venue for the Red River Valley Wahoos swimming team, providing a best-in-class aquatic center to support the program’s needs.
JLG Architects — Mosaic Quarter
- Facility Name: Mosaic Quarter
- City, State: Tucson, Ariz.
- Cost of Project: Confidential
- Type of Facility: Iceplex & Field House
- Architectural Firm: JLG Architects
- Lead Architect Name: Adam Davidson, AIA, LEED AP, Principal Architect – JLG Architects
- Status: In-Progress
- Square Footage: 175,000 Iceplex + 131,000 Field House
- Number of Floors: Fieldhouse—2 (main & upper levels) | Iceplex—2 (Ice level & concourse)
Tucson, Ariz.’s Mosaic Quarter (MQ) Iceplex and Mosaic Quarter Field House, centerpieces of a 100-acre sports and entertainment development, broke ground in late 2024. Designed by JLG Architects, the nearly 175,000-square-foot MQ Iceplex will be home ice to the University of Arizona’s Wildcat Hockey, offering three NHL regulation-sized ice rinks and venue space supporting e-sports and concerts, community and youth programs, NCAA teams, adaptive sports, and semi-professional ice sports. The 131,000-square-foot MQ Field House will host basketball and volleyball programs with eight courts and additional training facilities. The 100% privately funded athletic district will be centered around a natural river wash that flows through the Mosaic Quarter development, connected by pedestrian bridges to achieve a unified campus-style setting. The MQ Iceplex and MQ Field House are central to the mixed-use sport and entertainment district, supported by the addition of hotels, restaurants, retail, convention space, community pavilions, and parks.
JLG Architects — Palm Beach Gardens IcePlex
- Facility Name: Palm Beach Gardens IcePlex
- City, State: Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.
- Cost of Project: $42M
- Type of Facility: Ice Complex
- Architectural Firm: JLG Architects
- Lead Architect Name: Tom Betti, Principal Sports Studio Leader, JLG Architects
- Status: In-Progress
- Square Footage: 123,245
- Number of Floors: Main & Mezzanine
Partnering with the Palm Beach North Athletic Foundation, Inc., JLG Architects is designing a state-of-the-art ice-skating facility for programming expansion in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. Anticipating a spring 2027 completion, new construction of the 123,245-square-foot facility will deliver a multi-use venue for youth and adult hockey programs, figure skating, and tournament play. The IcePlex’s glazing will foster indoor/outdoor connections with daylit rinks protected from solar heat gain and glare. The façade’s sawtooth design will mimic the motion of Florida waves, with segmented, angled walls and canopies for sun protection and scale amid the palm trees. Inside, the facility will utilize energy recovery in mechanical and refrigeration systems, providing heat for domestic water reuse. The building will also be solar panel-ready, with roofing and electrical infrastructure in place for a future addition. While JLG designs for base program needs, including two rinks, team rooms, dryland training, and meeting/video rooms, the foundation is developing leased spaces for retail and hospitality amenities, a Gretzky Hockey School, and a dedicated sports performance space.
JLG Architects — Port Wentworth Ice Cove & Amphitheater
- City, State: Port Wentworth, Ga.
- Cost of Project: $42,000,000
- Type of Facility: Ice Complex & Amphitheater
- Architectural Firm: JLG Architects
- Lead Architect Name: Tom Betti, Principal Sports Studio Leader, and Erik Olson, Senior Project Architect
- Status: In-Progress
- Square Footage: 145,800
- Number of Floors: Ice Cove—1 floor, Amphitheater—1 main floor, sloped seating, and suite level
As the “Gateway to Georgia History,” Port Wentworth boasts a rich past, now skating into a vibrant future as the practice home to the Savannah Ghost Pirates, a professional minor league ice hockey team in the ECHL. Zawyer Sports, a private entity and owner of the Ghost Pirates, led the charge for a practice facility and venue that would build regional excitement for the sport. In the process, a partnership was formed to combine two developing facilities—Zawyer’s hockey venue and the City of Port Wentworth’s new amphitheater. JLG Architects worked with the private venture and city staff through programming and pre-design to determine the final program and concept. In collaboration with Zawyer Sports and Oak View Group, the city broke ground on a 145,800-square-foot complex, which includes a two-sheet ice rink with unique club-level seating and suites, a 4,500-seat amphitheater, and a 150-acre multi-use park. Included in the facility are meeting rooms, skate rental, a restaurant, and a concession stand that services both the ice arena and the outdoor sport amenities. The combined facility is located in Port Wentworth’s new Anchor Park, incorporating multi-use fields, courts, and space for pickleball, softball, baseball, and soccer. The Port Wentworth Ice Cove and Amphitheater are anticipating a fall 2026 completion.
JLG Architects — Wintrust Crossroads Sports Complex
- Facility Name: Wintrust Crossroads Sports Complex
- City, State: New Lenox, Ill.
- Cost of Project: $70M
- Type of Facility: Outdoor Sports Complex
- Architectural Firm: JLG Architects + Sports Facilities Companies, Northern Builders, Spaceco, and Bolton & Menk
- Lead Architect Name: Tom Betti, AIA, NCARB, Principal Sports Studio Leader, JLG Architects, Ty Pritchard, AIA, Project Designer, and Adam Davidson, AIA, LEED AP, Principal Architect
- Status: Phase I Completed
- Square Footage: 100-acre Complex | 1.376M s.f. of synthetic turf
- Number of Floors: 1
Wintrust Crossroads Sports Complex celebrated its Phase I grand opening on June 28, 2025, designed by JLG Architects, with Sports Facilities Companies, Northern Builders, Spaceco, and Bolton & Menk. The project is a $70-million, 31-field complex located at the crossroads of Interstates 355 and 80, 45 minutes southwest of Chicago. The 100-acre complex includes nine full-size baseball fields, 22 youth baseball and softball fields, two batting cages, and 11 multi-sport fields accommodating soccer, lacrosse, and football. At the site, JLG Architects’ Sports Studio implemented an extensive drainage system and fenced-in, adjustable fields to accommodate athletes of all ages. Wintrust Crossroads Sports Complex includes a new welcome center, two full-service concession stands, a Coors Light Chill Zone (beer garden), a Pepsi Play area, a playground, and 1,300 free parking spaces.
Legacy Building Solutions — Ellington Racquet Club
- Facility Name: Ellington Racquet Club
- City, State: Ellington, Conn.
- Type of Facility: Tennis & Pickleball Courts
- Architectural Firm: Legacy Building Solutions
- Status: Complete
- Square Footage: 44,880
Legacy Building Solutions partnered with Ellington Racquet Club (ERC) to design and build a 44,880-square-foot, state-of-the-art tennis and pickleball facility in Connecticut. The goal of ERC owner/operator Tracy French was to deliver professional-grade courts and a sense of community belonging.
Bringing the dream to life had its challenges. French found that navigating countless aspects of facility design could be overwhelming. “You have to think through every little step, things you don’t always consider at the start,” she says.
French explored traditional steel building options but realized they didn’t offer the flexibility, cost-efficiency, or installation speed she needed. She then connected with Legacy, which offers customized tension fabric buildings, and forged a partnership that was built on responsive communication.
Legacy’s engineering approach combines durable I-beam steel framing and high-tensile fabric cladding. For French, it was the best of both worlds. The fabric structure was designed specifically for ERC’s needs.
The impact was immediate. The facility has already become a hub for racquet sports, hosting leagues, events, and daily play that brings together beginners and experienced athletes alike.
“Work with people who are open, communicative, and committed to your vision,” says French. “I absolutely recommend Legacy to anyone considering a new facility.”
JLG Architects — Northfield Ice Arena
- Facility Name: Northfield Ice Arena
- City, State: Northfield, Minn.
- Cost of Project: $22.6M
- Type of Facility: Ice Arena
- Architectural Firm: JLG Architects
- Lead Architect Name: Tom Betti, Principal Sports Studio Leader, Randy Lieberg AIA, CIRM, Senior Sports Studio Specialist, and Marc Lindvig, Project Manager
- Status: In-Progress
- Square Footage: 51,304
- Number of Floors: One floor with upper concourse & mezzanine level
To address the community recreation needs of two colleges and a growing suburban population, Northfield, Minn., kicked off plans to replace the community’s 50-year-old failing ice facility. The project broke ground in August 2025, with JLG Architects working alongside the city to design a new sustainable arena that could expand with demand while enhancing community well-being. The project anticipates a fall 2026 completion, with JLG leading the integration of LEED ice arena criteria into 51,304 square feet of new construction. On its seven-acre Cannon River site, the arena is designed to connect to nature through a unique canopy that channels rainwater to a single, intentionally planted tree. Further merging with the landscape, JLG directs the central canopy into a circular oculus proportioned to frame the sky above and the Minnesota landscape below. Inside, the arena will include locker rooms, a multi-purpose room, coach/referee rooms, a mother’s room, ADA-accessible ramps/elevators, concessions, skate rental, viewing areas, and a multi-use dryland training area. Aligning with anticipated program growth, the facility will provide increased seating capacity and adaptable space to accommodate future ice arena expansion to the north. Northfield’s sustainable ice arena will lower operational costs, catalyze community connection, and honor its river surroundings.
Cornerstone Building Brands — BedRock Climbing Facility
- Facility Name: BedRock Climbing Facility
- City / State: Rogers, Ky.
- Cost of Project: $20,000
- Type of Facility: Rock-climbing training space
- Architectural Firm: SpringHill Woodworking Construction
- Lead Architect: Martin Wickey
- Status: Complete
- Number of Floors: 2
- Construction Timeline: 4 Days
The BedRock Climbing Facility in Rogers, Ky., is the realization of co-founders Jeremy Salyers and country music artist Kip Moore’s shared vision—to create a space where passion, perseverance, and community come together. What began as a climbing hostel has evolved into a world-class training destination built for climbers, by climbers.
When Salyers and Moore set out to expand, they needed a building solution that could be designed and constructed quickly without compromising strength or style. The Simplisteel™ rigid-frame metal building, available through Fortify Building Solutions®—a product brand in the Cornerstone Building Brands portfolio—offered the perfect combination of speed, customization, and long-term durability. Designed by SpringHill Woodworking Construction under lead architect Martin Wickey, the 676-square-foot facility features abundant natural light and an open, flexible layout ideal for training and equipment setup.
“The Simplisteel™ building was the perfect answer,” says Salyers. “It was super simple, fast, and exactly what we needed.”
Now a centerpiece of BedRock’s campus, the new facility brings the founders’ vision for a vibrant, world-class climbing destination to life—proving that with the right solution, even the most ambitious dreams can be achieved simply and quickly.