The Mary Free Bed YMCA in Grand Rapids, Mich., received Universal Design Certification last week, becoming the first facility in the world to earn that certification from the Global Universal Design Commission. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the facility last week.
Universal design is the concept to create buildings that are accessible to everyone who uses them: the elderly and people with and without disabilities.
The 116,200-sf Mary Free Bed YMCA is located on a 36-acre campus with two pools, two group fitness centers, and two and a half gyms. It also has an indoor track, climbing wall, wheelchair softball field, and baseball and soccer fields.
Outside of athletics, the facility has a greenhouse, teaching kitchen, and learning farm. The Carol Van Andel Healthy Living Center will hold programs that teach nutrition and physical activity.
The project cost $31 million. The YMCA was designed by Progressive AE, an architecture firm based in Grand Rapids.
Related Stories
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Feb 23, 2018
A gym’s exercise equipment helps power an arts and sciences center in Rochester, N.Y.
The equipment’s supplier is eyeing the U.S. for aggressive growth.
Reconstruction & Renovation | Feb 1, 2018
USC selects Hathaway Dinwiddie and AECOM to mange L.A. Memorial Coliseum renovations
The iconic stadium opened in 1923.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Jan 25, 2018
Virginia Beach: A surf town with a wave problem no more
A world-class surf park will highlight Virginia Beach’s new live-work-play development.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Dec 18, 2017
Canada’s newest funicular makes Edmonton’s largest green space more accessible
The incline elevator is located in downtown Edmonton and was publicly funded.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Dec 15, 2017
Jefferson City’s new 80,000-sf recreation and wellness center
The facility will be co-managed by Lincoln University and the City of Jefferson – Parks, Recreation, and Forestry.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Dec 6, 2017
An upscale RV camp breaks ground in Coos Bay, Ore.
The complex will include 180 campsites and a year-round clubhouse.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Dec 6, 2017
BIG-designed 1.3 million-sf sports and entertainment district includes Austin’s first pro-sports stadium
BIG is working in partnership with STG Design and Austin Sports & Entertainment on the project.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Nov 27, 2017
The University of Memphis unveils the new home of the men’s basketball program
The Laurie-Walton Family Basketball Center will provide a strong commitment to donor and VIP cultivation.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Nov 16, 2017
(UPDATED) Sasaki, Snøhetta, Studio T-Square, and HOK will lead the design of the Oakland A’s new stadium
The stadium is being planned for a piece of land that sits next to Lake Merritt near Downtown Oakland, surrounded by parkland and neighborhoods.
Giants 400 | Oct 23, 2017
Wooing jocks and fans
Colleges are going all out to optimize the fan experience and make the most of student athletes’ time.
