![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: 5/9/24
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
May 9, 2024
1. GIRLS SOCCER Division 1 No. 5 Midland Dow finished undefeated in the Saginaw Valley League for the third-straight season by handing Division 3 No. 2 Flint Powers Catholic its lone SVL loss 1-0 – Mid-Michigan Now
2. TRACK & FIELD For the first time since 2008, Mason County Eastern finished a girls/boys championship sweep in the West Michigan D League – Ludington Daily News
3. BOYS LACROSSE Fenton clinched the Flint Metro League title in just its second season, downing Linden 6-3 – WJRT
4. GIRLS SOCCER Division 2 No. 4 Plainwell clinched its fourth-straight Wolverine Conference championship with a 3-0 win over Vicksburg – Kalamazoo Gazette
5. TRACK & FIELD The LPD4 No. 7 Centreville girls and White Pigeon boys claimed Southwest 10 Conference titles – Sturgis Journal Girls | Boys
6. GIRLS TENNIS Ludington edged North Muskegon to claim the West Michigan Conference title – Local Sports Journal
7. BASEBALL Division 1 No. 6 Jenison handed No. 5 Rockford a 2-1 loss, breaking the Rams’ 20-game winning streak, but Rockford came back with a 2-1 win in the second game – Grand Rapids Press
8. SOFTBALL Olivia Tilley broke Division 2 honorable mention Carleton Airport’s career stolen base record during a win over Grosse Ile, and as just a sophomore – Monroe News
9. TRACK & FIELD Traverse City St. Francis swept the Bruce Garland Relays at Benzie Central; the Gladiators girls are No. 1 in LPD3, and the boys are No. 10 – Traverse City Record-Eagle
10. BOYS LACROSSE Hartland followed Jacob Ross to a 17-6 win over Brighton – Livingston Daily Press & Argus