ACPS has selected a company to carry out the design work for the update of the Parker-Gray Memorial Stadium at T.C. Williams High School and bring it into line with other modern sporting facilities across Northern Virginia.
Hord Caplan Macht has previous experience in stadium projects of similar size and scope across the region as well as experience in modern sound systems and stadium lighting.
The company will design a new press box, track facilities and improvements to both home side and visitor’s side bleachers. The modernization will also provide designs for a ticket booth, a concession stand and new bathrooms, as well as a replacement sound system. Lighting upgrades include stadium and security lights for the field, as well as egress and safety lighting.
The current concession stand lacks running water and some of the basic amenities found in other high school concession stands. Designs will also be drawn up for new restrooms and for a ticket booth, which are missing features of the current field.
As part of the modernization plan, both the turf field and track need to be replaced as they are nearing the end of their life-cycle. The design for the track will include a high jump area, steeple chase water hazard, pole vault runway and pit area, long jump runway and sand pit, and shot put circle and landing zone.
“We are looking forward to working with Hord Caplan Macht and are confident that they can come up with a design that works for T.C. Williams, while taking into account concerns of the immediate neighbors,” said Chief Operating Officer Clarence Stukes.
Many elements of Parker-Gray Stadium date back to 1965 when the original T.C. Williams building opened. The School Board approved $348,953 for stadium design work in the recent Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budget.
Staff recommendations to upgrade Parker-Gray Stadium are based on student capacity. As student enrollment continues to grow, there is increasing need to maintain modern facilities to meet the athletic needs of the current and future student population and the marching band.
“Our firm is familiar with the issues facing ACPS – a growing community that is rapidly urbanizing and losing open space. We understand the need to create a multi-use facility that will serve the needs of ACPS, T.C. Williams High School and the community,” Paul Lund of Hord Caplan Macht said.
The community will be involved throughout the design process. At that point in time, ACPS will meet with the community again and gather feedback on the design.
For more information, visit the Parker-Gray Stadium Project web page.