DeKalb County, Georgia – Athletic Field Support Building

Midway Park Improvements

Midway Park is one of several DeKalb County parks benefiting from ongoing investments in recreation facilities. The county has previously completed playground and park improvements at the site as part of broader efforts to enhance recreational opportunities for residents.

This phase of work focused on replacing aging infrastructure while improving amenities for park visitors and athletic participants. The project was part of a larger capital improvement effort that also included work at other county parks.

The new athletic field support building provides essential facilities for athletes, spectators, park staff, and visitors while supporting the continued use of Midway Park as a community recreation destination.

Replacing an Aging Park Press Box Facility

A key component of the project was replacing the existing two-story utility building and press box that had served the park for many years.

The new building was designed to improve athletic field operations while incorporating updated materials and features requested by the county. During the design process, DeKalb County emphasized consistency between park facilities so that maintenance staff could more easily service buildings throughout the county park system.

As the project evolved, several modifications were incorporated to align the building with owner preferences and previously approved county park standards. This helped create a facility that fits seamlessly into DeKalb County’s broader recreation infrastructure.

Building Design and Features

The athletic field support building combines several essential park functions into one efficient facility.

The lower level includes:

• One all-gender restroom
• Dedicated mechanical room
• Large utility and support space
• Interior stairway access to the upper level

The upper level serves as a press box for athletic field activities, providing improved visibility and support for sporting events.

Several design adjustments were incorporated during the project to improve durability and long-term performance. Steel doors were selected in place of fiberglass reinforced doors to better withstand public use and potential vandalism. Additional refinements were made to the foundation, access features, and building systems based on owner feedback and project needs.

The result is a building that supports both daily park operations and organized athletic events.

Field Support Facility Project Challenges

One of the primary challenges for this athletic field support building was the lengthy review and coordination process.

While the original submittals progressed quickly, the overall review period extended significantly as multiple agencies worked through project documentation and approvals. The project also underwent several revisions as the owner refined building requirements and coordinated improvements across multiple parks.

The project schedule was further affected by delays related to site preparation and mobilization. Construction activities could not begin until various site-related items were completed and reviewed.

Production also experienced scheduling impacts, including delays involving building block deliveries and weather-related scheduling adjustments during construction.

Despite these factors, communication remained consistent between all parties and helped keep the project moving forward.

Engineering Approach and Solution

Romtec addressed these project requirements through close coordination with DeKalb County, Pond & Company, and the construction team.

The building design was refined through multiple rounds of review to ensure it aligned with county preferences and operational goals. Material selections, building details, and layout changes were incorporated throughout the process to maintain consistency with other county park projects.

When construction and delivery challenges arose, Romtec worked with the contractor to adjust schedules and coordinate deliveries. Regular project meetings and open communication helped keep stakeholders informed and allowed issues to be resolved efficiently.

This collaborative approach resulted in a facility that meets the county’s needs while supporting long-term performance and ease of maintenance.

Benefits of an Athletic Field Support Building

• Combines restroom, utility, and press box functions into one building
• Supports athletic events and recreational activities
• Improves park operations and maintenance efficiency
• Replaces aging infrastructure with modern facilities
• Provides durable materials designed for long-term public use
• Aligns with county-wide park improvement standards
• Provides flexible support space for park staff and athletic operations

Conclusion

The Midway Park project demonstrates how an athletic field support building can improve both functionality and visitor experience within a public park. By replacing an aging facility with a modern structure, DeKalb County enhanced support for athletic events, park operations, and visitor comfort.

The successful completion of the project was made possible through collaboration between DeKalb County, Pond & Company, North Tennessee Constructors, and Romtec. Positive feedback from the owner and project team reflects the value of the completed facility and helps establish a foundation for future park improvement projects throughout the county.