Design-Build of Field Day Park at Lake Wylie

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Background

York County, SC, was deeded a 50-acre parcel of land for the exclusive purpose of developing a regional park and multiuse facility. The county wanted to develop Field Day Park at Lake Wylie on this land—the county’s first athletic park and a step towards advocating for similar developments. 

Challenge

Located in an area lacking recreation facilities, the park’s main purpose was to attract visitors and meet the recreational needs of York County residents. The predominately wooded land on which it was constructed was undeveloped with rolling slopes and rocky topography. Its location between two subdivisions added to the project’s complexity. 

Solution

The design team engaged with the general public at workshop meetings to obtain input for the proposed park program elements. Aside from developing plans for a wide range of sports and recreation amenities, the project implemented several fundamental engineering features including water and sewer utilities, electric and communication utilities, lighting and required stormwater best management practices. Collaborating with J.D. Goodrum and representatives of York County, Woolpert provided architecture; mechanical, electrical, plumbing and civil engineering; and landscape architecture. 

Outcome

The newly constructed park includes an entry and park drive, parking lot, three baseball fields, three multipurpose synthetic fields, six pickleball courts, a community building, a scorer’s tower, and amenities such as a system of walking trails, a unique playground and two rentable shelters. Using a progressive design-build delivery method, Field Day Park at Lake Wylie was constructed in a shortened schedule and within budget. An environmentally proactive and aesthetically pleasing lakefront-themed park resulted from these efforts—proving widely attractive to both local pedestrians and tourists.  

Benefits 

The community experiences a number of unique benefits from this new local park. It features beautiful indoor and outdoor gathering spaces which foster social connectivity. By providing athletic fields and courts, the park also begins to meet the county’s need for fitness facilities for county residents. Field Day Park at Lake Wylie supports the future and spurs a chain reaction for similar projects.  

“As we went through the design process with Woolpert and J.D. Goodrum, we were able to determine how we could achieve the goals we set out for the park—from the physical materials to the specific facilities that would address our community’s needs. This collaborative process provided us with a recreation destination that will benefit people in the region for years to come.” 
York County Park Superintendent Jason Ratterree 

Client
J.D. Goodrum Company Inc. 

Location
York County, SC  

Challenge

  • Construct a multiuse park to meet county recreational needs
  • Attract regional tourism dollars

Solution

  • Develop a project plan and engineer utilities to meet BMPs
  • Construct indoor/outdoor athletic and community facilities

Services

  • Planning
  • Programming
  • MEP Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Landscape Architecture

Benefits

  • New athletic facilities and social areas for the local community
  • Socioeconomic impact from regional visitors
  • Catalyst for developing similar amenities

Insights
Press: Woolpert, J.D. Goodrum Collaborate on $13.5M Design-Build for Lake Wylie Recreation Park  

Article: A Flood of Possibilities: Transforming Columbia’s MLK Park from Nuisance to Attraction 

Blog: You Need A Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Here are 10 Reasons Why.