Nazareth College Golisano Training Center

LaBella worked with Nazareth College on programming and designing a new 108,000 sq. ft. athletic training center on the Nazareth campus. This project presented great design opportunities as we were tasked with designing a facility that would promote the health and wellness and athletic needs of Nazareth’s students and student athletes, as well as athletes with intellectual and physical disabilities.

Throughout the design process, we collaborated and teamed with the Special Olympics (with whom the college has a long-standing partnership), Sportsnet, Kids Miracle Making Club, multiple athletic coordinators at Nazareth College, and the local community. The design team merged deep expertise in athletic facilities, higher education pedagogy, and inclusive design principles from the project’s inception.

The center creates opportunities for Nazareth students to work with Special Olympics New York program participants, offering health screening services and wellness programs on a regular schedule in a convenient location. Nazareth Health and Human Services students will gain invaluable real-world experiences that strengthen their skills and knowledge and help them become competent, compassionate professionals comfortable working with people of all abilities.

On a wider scale, this exciting initiative aims to create a new model of innovation and partnership for Healthy Communities across the United States and the world, while also providing education for coaches, mentors, athletes, and supporters.