Creating More Opportunities for Students, Athletes, and the Griffith Community
Griffith Public Schools envisioned a better use for its old junior/senior high school pool—one that would expand athletic, physical education, and wellness opportunities while maximizing the value of the District’s existing facilities. Through a collaborative design-build process, Performance Services developed a plan to transform the former natatorium into a modern, multi-sport athletic center designed to serve students, student-athletes, and community members.
The former pool will be infilled and converted into a flexible indoor turf field with a divider curtain and technology improvements that allow multiple teams and activities to use the space. The former spectator area will become a Cardio Lab and multi-sport simulator, while a new elevator will provide accessible entry to second-floor spaces. The batting/pitching nets will be moved to the field house.
The project also extends beyond the building. Improvements to the high school’s outdoor athletic facilities include a new all-weather running track, replacement football field turf, drainage and subsurface repairs, and a new bocce ball court. Together, these improvements will create modern, accessible environments that support athletics, physical education, wellness, and community use.
Project Highlights Include:
- Transform the old natatorium into a flexible indoor turf facility for year-round, multi-sport training.
- Install two drop-down batting and pitching nets, along with a divider curtain, to support simultaneous practices and activities.
- Create an indoor-outdoor connection with a new impact-resistant overhead door and adjacent outdoor grass practice area.
- Convert the former spectator area into a modern Cardio Lab with new fitness equipment and a Full Swing golf and multi-sport simulator.
- Install an ADA-compliant elevator to provide accessible entry to the second-floor athletic and fitness spaces.
- Renovate locker rooms to support the high school swim team, public users, and officials associated with the District’s new aquatic facilities.
- Refresh the second-floor auxiliary gym with new paint and energy-efficient LED lighting.
- Replace the football field turf with a modern synthetic turf system, shock pad, and custom Griffith graphics.
- Resurface and re-stripe the running track, including the high jump, long jump, and pole vault areas.
- Add a new turf bocce ball court and complete necessary drainage and subsurface improvements.
A Facility Designed for More
By repurposing underused and outdated spaces, Griffith Public Schools is creating an athletic and wellness environment that will serve more students, support more programs, and provide greater
flexibility throughout the year. The new athletic center will provide teams with a dependable indoor training space while expanding opportunities for physical education, fitness instruction, and community events.
Beyond serving students, the district envisions the facility as a valuable community asset by offering private rentals, including birthday parties and club sports. This will help maximize the value of the facility while strengthening connections between the district and the community.
Custom graphics and school branding will reinforce Griffith pride throughout the renovated spaces. Modern finishes, upgraded lighting, improved accessibility, and flexible technology will transform the former natatorium into a vibrant destination that supports student success, encourages community engagement, and delivers long-term value for the district.
