In rural western New York, Perry Central School District (CSD) serves as a close-knit community, with school facilities acting as central hubs for educational, athletic, and social gatherings. In 2021, the district launched a Capital Improvement Project (CIP) to revitalize these spaces across its elementary and junior-senior high campuses, enhancing both academic and athletic environments to better support students and strengthen community connections.
Photographer: Tim Wilkes Photography
Central to this initiative was the revitalization of the junior-senior high school’s aging turf field. After more than 15 years since its installation, the synthetic field fabric had surpassed its intended useful life and was in much need of replacement.
Our K-12 Practice team worked closely with district stakeholders to restore their much-loved multi-sport playfield to preserve the community asset and serve Perry’s various athletic programs well into the future.
The field’s design included a durable rubber-crumb infill for improved cushioning, a re-branded turf carpet re-striped for football, lacrosse, and soccer, as well as a resurfaced six-lane track for multiple track & field running events. By maximizing versatility and upgrading safety features, the project created an inclusive, high-quality space that enhanced student athletics and accommodated regional events, establishing the facility as a premier venue and community resource.
Beyond the turf and track upgrades, this project also re-introduced tennis/pickleball to Perry’s school campus, making good use of an underutilized green space to create five new courts. This new complex offered fitness opportunities and invited greater community involvement to strengthen ties with residents.
Additionally, the project included a full playground redesign, shaped by district input, to create a safer, more engaging on-brand space for active play and social interaction. Updates included replacing the former wood-chip surfacing with durable rubberized material for improved accessibility, fall protection, and ease of maintenance.
New features included climbing apparatuses, swings, and a GaGa ball pit to promote healthy stress management, teamwork, and fun for children of all ages and abilities.
To unify Perry’s spaces with a strong sense of identity and pride, every design decision emphasized the district’s signature blue and yellow colors. Athletic areas prominently feature these colors, while the field showcases the Yellowjacket mascot, reinforcing school spirit and cohesion throughout.
Completed as the second phase of the CIP, these enhancements have transformed Perry CSD’s outdoor spaces into a multifunctional complex that promotes physical activity and community connection. Designed with both students and residents in mind, these upgrades reflect a commitment to creating safe, inclusive outdoor environments for generations to come.
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