The City of Portage, in planning lighting and irrigation renovations to the ball fields at the park, also chose to replace the old concession and restroom facility to better serve the community. The park is built over a landfill and, therefore, a special methane venting system is required to relieve the area below the building.

The shape of the building in plan is based on the standard ball diamond. Concrete sidewalks surrounding the building are highlighted by colored concrete "bases" representing home plate at the office corner, restrooms at the first and third base corners, and concession windows at second base. The concrete flares out at the office corner to simulate the home plate area, and the registration desk inside the office closes the circle. Also housed in the building, figuratively at the area of the pitcher's mound, is a locker room/changing room/restroom for the umpires and building staff.

Large roof overhangs along the first to second and second to third base lines create an area of refuge from the weather for fans and players . Columns supporting this overhanging roof are representative of the four outfielders typical in league softball for which the park is primarily used. The roof is framed with extended beams reaching out to these outfielders aiding in their appearance as separate "players."

Painted concrete masonry walls provide the city with a low maintenance and vandal resistant facility. Toilet partitions follow that approach with concrete masonry supports, full bracket attachments and continuous hinges. Floors throughout the building are quarry tile to stand up to cleated foot traffic, resist dirt and stains, and provide for easier maintenance.

This facility is used only during the spring and summer months, and is not mechanically conditioned. The shape of the roof and a continuous vent circling the roof near the peak, along with low wall and door louvers, facilitate natural ventilation of both the occupied spaces and the attic. This natural convection ventilation is supplemented with ceiling paddle fans to help keep the air moving on hot, humid summer days.

Roof fascias and beams are stained cedar, and the soffits are painted plywood. Extended soffits at the concession area are delineated with contrasting cedar battens at panel joints. Skylights and glass block accents are used to bring natural light into the concession area and toilet rooms without compromising security or privacy. The unique shape of the roof, contrasting shingle stripes, the configuration of the building, and the colorful flag atop the roof peak, all contribute to the "ballpark" character of the pavilion.

Cost
$215,000

Owner
City of Portage

Consultants

Structural
Stuart Eddy, P.E.
Portage, Michigan

Mechanical/Electrical
Engineering Plus, Inc.
Kalamazoo, Michigan

Construction Manager
Cornerstone Construction Management, Inc.
Portage, Michigan