"As part of the New York City's initiative for Design Excellence with the Department of Parks and Recreation, Sage and Coombe was selected to design the new 135,000 square foot track and fieldhouse in PlaNYC's new 110-acre Ocean Breeze Park. The building, slated for one of the few remaining areas of native upland coastal grasslands on the island, presented a delicate problem in siting. The solution was to minimize the footprint by raising the building and locating required parking below, enhancing both views and the potential for natural ventilation.
The approach to the building starts with an inclined walk that brings the visitor and the athlete to a terrace overlooking the expansive parkland beyond. The project integrates green building principles in water management, daylighting and natural ventilation, with the potential for future incorporation of photo-voltaic technology on the roof. The fieldhouse program includes a 200m hydraulically banked track meeting USATF, NCAA and IAFF competition standards, seating for 2500 people, a fitness center, café and concessions, restrooms and service spaces.
Concealed beneath the building are 140 naturally-ventilated parking spaces. The project is seeking LEED Silver Certification and has been honored with a 2009 Design Award from the NYC Design Commission. The Center opened at the end of November but some of areas of the exterior have not been finished."