Forest County Potawatomi Community Center

Client

Forest County Potawatomi

Location

Crandon, WI

Size

105,000 SF

Completed

Summer, 2021

Nestled in the woods of Crandon Wisconsin, the Forest County Potawatomi Community Center is a central hub and a resource to operate as an extension of formal and cultural education, recreation, athletic training, competition, wellness, and social events.  The entire design of the building was informed by the Forest County Potawatomi culture, from the two levels that follow the natural grade and lessen the impact on the land to the basic floorplan which takes its inspiration from the form of an eagle in flight.

Sports venues include a 20,000 square foot wood court gymnasium, with seating for over 1,500 spectators, and a 20,000 square foot fieldhouse with synthetic field turf.  The fieldhouse provides year-round indoor practice space for football, soccer, lacrosse, baseball, golf, and track & field.  Elevated above the fieldhouse is a 110-yard jogging track.  Located between both is an 11,000 square foot pool, featuring six 25 meter lap lanes and recreational spaces on the other including a zero-depth entry basin, slide, therapy area, and spa.  Completing the athletics and wellness spaces are a Fitness Center, Climbing Wall, and multiple studio rooms.

Education spaces include Classrooms, Makerspace, Wood Shop, Teaching kitchen, Games area, and Pediatric Therapy suite.  A Child Care room provides parents a venue for their children while they take advantage of programs and activities.  In the heart of the building is a two-story commons that connects all spaces and creates a social touchstone for the community.

Designed in collaboration with RDG Planning & Design.

Awards

  • Daily Reporter’s Top Projects of 2021 Award
  • ASID Wisconsin Design Excellence Award – Entertainment & Recreation Category – Gold – 2021
  • Athletic Business Award – 2021