NYC Department of Parks and Recreation

Ocean Breeze
Athletic Complex

Built as part of New York City’s Design Excellence program within both the Department of Parks and Recreation and the DDC, the Ocean Breeze Indoor Athletic Facility sits within a new 110-acre park being developed as a part of former Mayor Bloomberg’s PlaNYC initiative, whose primary goal was to bring large scale regional parks to every borough.

Located on Staten Island’s Eastern Shore, the building overlooks the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, lower Manhattan, and the Freedom Tower.

Awards

Open House New York: Works By Women, Ocean Breeze Indoor Athletic Center, Staten Island, NY, 2018
AIA New York State Excelsior Award, Ocean Breeze Indoor Athletic Center, Staten Island, NY, 2017
Architizer A+ Award, Ocean Breeze Indoor Athletic Center, Staten Island, NY, 2016
Award for Excellence in Design, Public Design Commission of the City of New York, Ocean Breeze Track and Field House, 2010

Raised above one of the few remaining areas of native upland coastal grasslands on the island, Ocean Breeze’s minimal interior footprint – largely comprised of an open-air parking area – enhances both views and the potential for natural ventilation, while protecting the building from storm surges and rising tides.

By far the most state-of-the-art track facility in the region, the fieldhouse program includes a 200 m. hydraulically banked track that can convert from six banked lanes during competition events to eight flat lanes to accommodate large practice sessions. Meeting USATF, NCAA, and IAFF competition standards, the track boasts seating for 2,500 people, concessions, meeting rooms, restrooms, and service areas, and a fitness center serving neighboring communities.

WINDOW GRAPHIC

WINDOW GRAPHIC

WINDOW GRAPHIC

The project integrates green building principles through daylight harvesting, photo-sensor-informed lighting controls, on-site stormwater management, recycled materials, and a “cool” roof with spare structural capacity for future photovoltaic technology. All mechanical systems utilize high-efficiency equipment, which is monitored and controlled through a networked building management system.

The project is seeking LEED Gold Certification and has been honored with a 2009 Design Award from the NYC Public Design Commission and a 2016 Architizer A+ Award.