MACCRAY Public Schools Athletic Complex
Clara City
Project Recap

We approached this project with a clear focus: to enhance the student and community experience through thoughtful, high-performance facility. Though an existing track was in place, the site was essentially a blank slate—reimagined as a fully integrated athletic complex. Our team played a key role in master planning efforts to create a logical, cohesive site layout that balanced separation of uses with strong circulation and connectivity between fields, amenities, and support infrastructure.

From rebuilding the track and field with improved subgrade and drainage to engineering a new synthetic turf stadium, every decision was grounded in durability, versatility, and long-term value. The stadium was designed for flexibility, featuring full-size layouts for softball and baseball integrated directly into the football field. To support spring usage without compromising the primary field’s look and function, we worked closely with the turf vendor to incorporate subtle shadow lines. These markings allow for spring baseball and softball practices while maintaining a clean appearance during the football season. Additional improvements included expanded parking and paved trails that enhance ADA access. We also coordinated lighting, utilities, and bleacher infrastructure to improve visibility, energy efficiency, and spectator comfort.

Heavy clay soil across the site presented challenges for paved surfaces. We addressed this by replacing unsuitable materials with engineered soils, allowing for more stable parking areas, trails, and play surfaces. The civil design also emphasized effective stormwater management, tailored to the site’s constraints while supporting future expansion. Our close coordination with the Owner helped guide multiple design iterations to align with budget constraints, prioritizing immediate needs while preserving space and infrastructure for future athletic uses.

What sets this project apart is the thoughtful relocation and transformation of athletic facilities into a unified, on-campus destination. It’s a flexible, high-performing space that supports student athletes, community events, and school spirit—designed not just for today’s needs, but to adapt and grow with the district well into the future.

Photography Credit: Silverman Be Remarkable