Special Olympics of Michigan Grand Rapids Unified Sport and Inclusion Center

May 2, 2023

Fishbeck is excited to share that Special Olympics Michigan Inc. is planning to start construction on the second phase of its Unified Sports and Inclusion Center, which will be the largest Special Olympics facility in the world. The outdoor athletic complex and fields groundbreaking is expected to take place in June, and the project is slated to be completed in March 2024. Fishbeck has been working on a collaborative team with Mathison and Mathison Architects and others to realize SOMI’s vision for a world-class practice and competition facility for the athletes. 

The $20 million capital campaign to turn the 17-acre former South Christian High School campus into the headquarters for Special Olympics Michigan Inc. was announced in July 2021. The first phase of the project, which involves converting the 127,000-square-foot building at 160 68th St. SW in Byron Township into SOMI offices, spaces for other local nonprofits, health services spaces, and indoor athletic facilities, is nearing completion. 

The Byron Township Planning Commission approved the site plan amendment for the second phase of the project, which includes various outdoor sports facilities such as track and field improvements, an eight-lane running track, synthetic turf soccer and football fields, 10 bocce ball courts, and a chipping green. The SOMI campus will host the organization's regional events as well as events of Special Olympics programs from other states. 

The outdoor athlete promenade planned as part of phase two of construction is another exciting feature for SOMI leaders. The promenade will be used to host athlete parades and award ceremonies during regional and state events. This initiative will make the job of SOMI coaches and volunteers easier by providing them with a central location.

For more information check out the Crains Grand Rapids article linked here