The AdventHealth Fieldhouse and Conference Center at Chain of Lakes Park, Winter Haven, Florida
The City of Winter Haven recently announced it received the “Build-It” Award from the Heart of Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association for the recently-constructed AdventHealth Fieldhouse at Chain of Lakes Park. This award is attributed to the facility’s cutting-edge innovation – providing for the needs of the local community while also serving as an economic driver. The “Build-It” Award is the second honor bestowed upon the Fieldhouse since its grand opening ceremony in January. Earlier this year, it was named “Project of the Year” by the Florida Engineering Society Ridge Chapter.
When good projects are recognized and awarded by professional organizations, we know we have really hit the mark of excellence.
“It is quite exciting to receive yet another award for significant quality enhancements in the Winter Haven community. The AdventHealth Fieldhouse is already an iconic landmark and destination for local families and athletes from around the world,” said Assistant City Manager T. Michael Stavres, who also served as the project manager. “When good projects are recognized and awarded by professional organizations, we know we have really hit the mark of excellence. The Fieldhouse serves as an additional opportunity to enrich the lifestyle of citizens, and we are proud of this accomplishment.”
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The AdventHealth Fieldhouse at Chain of Lakes Park includes a comprehensive redesign of a 69+ acre site owned by the City. In December of 2017, the City engaged a team consisting of Straughn Trout Architects, Rodda Construction, and Whitehead Construction to begin the renovation of the landmark Chain O’ Lakes Complex facility. The notable expansion, now known as the AdventHealth Fieldhouse at Chain of Lakes Park, broke ground in October 2018. With a prime location along U.S. Route 17 and Cypress Gardens Boulevard, it distinguishes a primary gateway to the city – serving as a major regional destination and a catalyst for continued public and private development. The Fieldhouse design is centered around a multi-use gymnasium, a 360-degree second-floor observation area and track, meeting areas, locker rooms, a double-height entry concourse, concession space, public fitness area, and renovated portions of the existing Complex facility. The new construction added just over 86,000 square feet to the existing 56,000 square foot original building. The west side vehicle drop-off drive to enter Theatre Winter Haven is a dramatic enhancement, with a new connection corridor, box office space, and a two-story elevator lobby to improve accessibility for Theatre patrons. The Lakeland Magic will also use the Fieldhouse as their primary training facility.
“In publicly funded projects like this, the design is carefully crafted through a ‘form follows function’ approach,” said Tim Hoeft, Managing Principal of Straughn Trout Architects and Project Architect. “In our opinion, the total facility (renovated existing building and newly constructed addition) now presents a strong holistic and unified aesthetic that is both complimentary and timeless.”
FACILITY INFORMATION
The AdventHealth Fieldhouse at Chain of Lakes Park is located at 210 Cypress Gardens Boulevard and is now open to the public at limited capacity. To learn about facility rentals or general availability, please call (863) 268-6733 or visit: https://www.mywinterhaven.com/parks-and-recreation/facilities-parks/fieldhouse-and-conference-center/