The city’s vision was to provide sports fields that could host large groups of players and spectators while also working harmoniously with the backdrop of the McDowell Mountains and the natural wash areas.

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Earthwork operations ended up generating more soil than expected thanks to the site’s soil characteristic variations.

Instead of hauling soil off site, a round of value engineering determined that the team could accommodate the excess by regrading the soil in the project’s regional stormwater detention basin without impacting the basin’s drainage requirements. This choice eliminated 40,000 tons of export, returning $400,000 to the city and reducing hauling impacts on local streets.

In addition to recreation space, the complex also helps manage stormwater. The sand-based turf fields use a system much like a golf course, with a layer of sand root zone over a gravel blanket with an underground drainage system that provides optimal percolation and moisture retention for healthy turf growth.

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It also provides optimal drainage with fast turf recovery from irrigation. The drainage system was modified to detain water within the gravel blanket during large rain events to minimize the complex’s downstream impacts.

A detailed 3D digital surface was used in preparation of grading the site, resulting in a digital model that served as an input for the grading subcontractors’ automated machine control.

The sport fields are irrigated with reclaimed water, and the facility’s LED lighting draws 35% less energy than traditional sports field lighting.

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Trees and cacti were salvaged from the original site and maintained at an onsite nursery, then replanted across the site with a 99% success rate, according to the project team. This saved the existing plants and reduced project costs in addition to providing mature plantings that better matched the landscape.

Another feature is a public art installation called Polygon Plaza, which took inspiration from the pattern of pentagons and hexagons used on soccer balls. The piece is also functional because each pentagon and hexagon structure can double as a bench or jungle gym.

The team delivered the project under budget and on time in March 2024.