![Holland West Ottawa Public Schools’ new athletics complex has been recognized as the top multi-field facility nationally by the American Sports Builders Association.](/sites/default/files/2023-12/231212_WestOttawa_2H.png)
Holland West Ottawa Athletics Complex Recognized with National Award
December 12, 2023
Holland West Ottawa Public Schools’ new athletics complex, with architectural firm GMB, has been recognized as the top multi-field facility nationally by the American Sports Builders Association (ASBA), the national organization for builders and suppliers of materials for athletic facilities.
West Ottawa’s new stadium consists of two turf playing fields. The west field was designed deliberately without a surrounding track to bring the stands and field closer together with a central tunnel beneath the grandstands for the home team to enter onto the field. The same synthetic turf, light posts, and state-of-the-art audio/video systems are utilized on both fields for an equitable experience for all users.
Multiple ground-level entry points with access to the fields, barrier-free locker rooms and multiple seating options with elevator access also create accessibility for spectators, players, coaches, and support staff.
“This facility allows our students the opportunity to play in one of the premier complexes in the state of Michigan,” said Jeff Malloch, assistant superintendent of business services at West Ottawa Public Schools. “We have seen continued interest in lacrosse, football, and soccer, and this complex will be utilized by our community youth from elementary age to high school student-athletes.”
Adding elevated fan experiences, such as a concourse level between the upper and lower sections of the home stands, bigger bleachers, and updated concession stands and restrooms establish a venue for multiple sports and attract the entire community to utilize the facility.
“This is a one-of-a-kind facility for West Michigan, and it’s been wonderful to see student-athletes from across the state enjoy the complex’s unique amenities,” said Nate Bosch, a landscape architect with GMB. “The collaboration needed to make this project come to life was an inspiring process to be a part of, and we are so pleased to celebrate this accomplishment with West Ottawa.”
This is the first time a GMB project has been awarded a multi-field facility of the year honor by the ASBA. GMB also has received four Project of the Year honors in the outdoor tennis category and 20 distinguished awards from ASBA for other athletic facility projects over the past 12 years.
(Photos by M-Buck Studio.)
![Today In The MHSAA](/sites/default/files/2021-03/Today%20In%20The%20MHSAA_8.png)
Today in the MHSAA: 5/14/24
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
May 14, 2024
1. SOFTBALL Cheboygan swept Newberry to complete a three-peat in the Straits Area Conference – Cheboygan Daily Tribune
2. GIRLS SOCCER Trenton finished a third-straight outright Downriver League championship run with a 2-0 win over Brownstown Woodhaven – Southgate News-Herald
3. GIRLS SOCCER Division 3 No. 12 Traverse City St. Francis downed Grayling 5-3 to secure its first Lake Michigan Conference title in this sport – Traverse City Record-Eagle
4. GIRLS SOCCER Grand Haven dealt Division 1 top-ranked Hudsonville its first defeat in a shootout – FOX 17
5. SOFTBALL Division 3 No. 5 Pinconning’s Geena Gauthier struck out 20 batters in her team’s 5-2 win over Saginaw Swan Valley, and also had a home run, while Swan Valley won the second game – Saginaw News
6. BASEBALL Division 4 No. 15 East Jordan ran its no-hitter streak to three with a pair against Boyne City – Petoskey News-Review
7. BOYS GOLF New Boston Huron won the Monroe County Championship tournament on a tie-breaker – Monroe News
8. GIRLS SOCCER Hadley Fox scored five more goals to lead Big Rapids past Remus Chippewa Hills in the Central State Activities Association Tournament – Big Rapids Pioneer
9. BASEBALL Midland swept Saginaw Heritage, with Jacoby Lind throwing a perfect game in the latter of the doubleheader – Midland Daily News
10. BASEBALL Okemos downed Orchard Lake St. Mary’s 9-3 - WILX
Also of note …
GIRLS SOCCER Division 1 No. 9 Midland Dow claimed a third-straight Saginaw Valley League title outright thanks to Davison’s 1-0 win over Division 3 No. 3 Flint Powers Catholic – Midland Daily News