Marlborough, MA – Columbia Construction Company recently completed the 25,000sf Yawkey Sports Training Center and new headquarters for Special Olympics Massachusetts. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held in December.
Located on a five-acre site, the Center includes staff offices, a full-size gym, a 40 X 30 yd. soccer field, computer training facilities, video conferencing capabilities, and five multipurpose conference rooms. The gymnasium was constructed using an ICF Reward Wall System. Construction began in October 2008.
The design includes a processional walkway leading into the lobby and features a Wall of Fame which introduces visitors to the unique nature of this facility. Images and interactive displays in the lobby reinforce the educational aspects of the organization, as well.
The Yawkey Sports Training Center will enable the organization to better serve the more than 12,000 athletes, in more than 118 athletic competitions in 26 sports; as well as provide top-notch and more frequent training for its growing base of volunteers, coaches and athletes. It will also serve as a catalyst for better health for the people Special Olympics Massachusetts serves.
The Center will be the site of a medical education program for treating patients with intellectual disabilities through a partnership Special Olympics Massachusetts has formed with the University of Mass. Medical School. The training partnership addresses a long-standing, and recently documented, problem facing people with intellectual disabilities — poor access to medical care and poor quality medical care.
The project team also included DiGiorgio Associates Inc., Project Architect; B.R.T. Management and Consulting, Owner’s Representative; F.D. Quigley Associates, Project Manager; Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Civil Engineer; and Engineers Design Group, Structural Engineer.
