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
Client
Perry Central School District
Location
Perry, New York
Total Project Cost
Part of an $8.6 M Bond Referendum
Project Type
Academic, Athletic Fields
Completed
2024
Size
0.5 miles
Services
Architecture, Electrical Engineering, Interior Design, Civil/Site Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Plumbing Engineering
Key Contact
Jason Benfante
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.
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.
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.
