2020 Excellence in Design - Facility Design

This award recognizes excellence in design of completed aquatic, recreation and/or cultural facilities intended for public use. The project may be either new construction or a rehabilitation project that demonstrates high standards of planning, design, community involvement, operation and maintenance, quality of aesthetics, usability, accessibility and versatility.  This award further recognizes design and construction or significant rehabilitation of buildings, structures and facilities used primarily to support park and recreation purposes.

One Excellence Award may be awarded in each category and each class. 

Categories

Divisions

Aquatic Facilities

Community Centers/Mixed Use Facilities

• examples: senior centers, gymnasiums, library/community centers, joint use facilities

Cultural Facilities

• examples: performing arts, visual art studios, museums

Class

Based on Project Cost ¹

• Class 1 $0 - $5 million
• Class 2 $5 million - $15 million
• Class 3 $15 million and above

NOTES:

¹ Include total construction and site improvements costs, fixtures/furnishings and equipment. Do not include personnel-related project costs, architectural fees, property acquisition cost, construction management fees, special testing or other non-construction costs.

Challenge: Describe the organizational challenge or compelling community need the entry addressed. [250 word maximum] (20 pts)

Resourcefulness: Extent the entry demonstrated the use of unique architectural elements or responded to challenging environmental, cultural or site constraints or integrated “green” construction materials, systems, management or maintenance practices. [400 word maximum] (25 pts)

Execution: Extent the entry utilized various strategies, tools, resources and outreach efforts to address the challenge, including the use of non-traditional fiscal or community resources i.e., grants, sponsorships, foundations, volunteers and the communication efforts used to inform, engage and receive feedback from the community, policy makers or stakeholders. [400 word maximum] (20 pts)

Accomplishment: Extent the entry provided a substantial community benefit, improved operational efficiencies, created new or increased value in the community or significantly enhanced the provision of park and recreation services through measurable results. [400 word maximum] (25 pts)

Mission: Extent the entry supported the Parks Make Life Better!® campaign messages of creating spaces and places for access to nature, outdoor space for play and exercise, self-directed and directed recreation, facilitating social connections, lifelong learning, or the arts. [250 word maximum] (10 pts)