Plainedge School District breaks ground for new athletic facilities with Mark Design Studios

Massapequa, NY The Plainedge School District held dual groundbreaking ceremonies at the Plainedge High School, marking the start of construction for its new Student Athletic Center and Varsity Girls’ Softball Field construction projects, which will further upgrade the district’s high school facilities to college-level quality, for use by students, faculty, and the community. The project was designed by Mark Design Studios. Both projects are scheduled to be complete in 2023.

The plans have been in development for the last five years as part of a capital improvement project for the district. The 12,000 s/f Athletic Center is decorated in Plainedge’s red, black and white color scheme and spans two levels. Amenities include a new weight training room, cardio training space, a yoga/dance/aerobic studio, and wrestling/fitness room.

“This is a reimagining of how athletics gets done at the high school level by incorporating health and wellness into the entire space,” said Michael Mark, AIA, principal of Mark Design Studios Architecture, architect for the Plainedge School District. “Aside from a weight room and traditional facilities, we also incorporated a dance room and other wellness facilities, all fully ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible.”

The facility will also be a community asset to provide residents with the means to promote health of the community without the financial burden of private gym memberships. Residents will have the opportunity to participate in group exercise classes through adult education courses or use cardio and weight training equipment during hours when the facility is not in use for school activities.

Under the leadership of superintendent Dr. Edward Salina, Jr., the Plainedge School District has embarked on dramatic transformations of its facilities, including its Stadium Complex and STREAM Classrooms for all three of the district’s elementary schools.

“This new Athletic Center will be the first open gym for community use as well as our students,” said Salina. “We pride ourselves on offering state-of-the-art facilities, and we’re happy to allow our taxpaying community members to reap the benefits of this facility as well.”