 HNP Landscape Architecture partnered with Davis Architects to provide landscape architecture and field layout consulting for the new Orange Beach Athletic Complex serving both Orange Beach High School and Middle School. With support from the City of Orange Beach, construction began in late 2023 on the $46 million Orange Beach High School Athletic Complex. Designed as a premier, state-of-the-art facility, the complex features a 3,500-seat football stadium, an 8-lane track, and a 1,200-seat gymnasium. Additional amenities include a two-story kinesiology building, a covered 50-yard practice field, and cutting-edge training spaces. HNP was responsible for the design and specifications of the track and field facilities as well as the practice 50-yard field. Field event areas included shot put, discus, javelin, long/triple jump, and pole vault. HNP was also responsible for the planting plan, irrigation, and drainage. In coordination with Sports Turf Company, a high-performance synthetic turf system was installed featuring AstroTurf’s Rhino Series Blend monofilament slit-film turf, paired with a Brock shock pad and BrockFILL infill. The track system incorporates Rekortan M sandwich system surfacing, selected for competitive performance and durability, and features the vibrant school colors. Completed in late 2025, the complex is now home to the Orange Beach Makos and serves as a venue for regional tournaments and community events. Photos provided by Sports Turf Company.
0 Comments
 With the popularity of pickleball still in an upswing, the University of Alabama expanded its student recreation facilities to meet growing demand. In spring 2025, HNP Landscape Architecture was selected to design an expansion of the existing tennis complex to include new pickleball courts. Working within a constrained drainage area for site runoff, HNP developed a creative solution to efficiently incorporate the new courts alongside the existing recreation area. The project moved quickly from design to construction, with bidding completed in May 2025 and the courts opening to students just four months later. The expansion added eight new courts, complete with lighting, secure access, and improved connectivity. The result is an active space that reduces wait times and enhances the overall student experience. Dean Shackleford, Assistant Project Manager for Construction Administration, said, "The Student Recreation Court Expansion has been one of the most exciting projects I have been a part of during my time at UA. The new pickleball courts create a vibrant space where students can stay active, spend time with friends, and take a break from the demands of a busy academic schedule. HNP was an outstanding partner throughout the process, working closely with our team to design the courts in a challenging location and helping us deliver a facility that will have a lasting impact on the student experience.” HNP appreciates the opportunity to continue its partnership with the University of Alabama in delivering high-quality campus improvements.   Ole Miss Softball Stadium & FieldThe Ole Miss Softball Stadium officially opened in spring 2025 offering more amenities for fans and athletes alike. HNP worked with McCarty Architects on a complete redesign of the $32 million softball field and stadium addition. The entire field orientation rotated 180 degrees and a larger stadium with covered seating was built to enhance the fan experience. HNP’s design work included:
Ole Miss Soccer ComplexIn summer 2025, Ole Miss Athletics completed a $3.75 million renovation of the Soccer Complex, transforming both the playing field and fan amenities made possible through the collaboration of McCarty Architects and HNP Landscape Architecture. Upgrades included a new natural grass competition surface featuring Tahoma 31 Bermuda grass, an adjacent practice field, and a designated warm-up area with 9,000 square feet of synthetic turf.
HNP’s design scope included:
Diamond Design and Construction removed nearly 15,000 tons of soil and grass—over 30 million pounds—to prepare the soccer field for its new surface. Some of this soil was relocated to the north side of the field to create the berm seating area for spectators. An open space adjacent to the bleachers was thoughtfully included in the site upgrades for vendors and spectators. Other enhancements included covered team seating, new video board and upgraded audio system. The softball and soccer upgrades provide athletes with top-quality playing environments while elevating the fan experience for years to come. Regarding the project, Charles Brunetti with Diamond Design stated, “it was a pleasure working hand in hand with McCarty Architects and HNP to build the soccer playing field and provide the University a top-quality surface that will drain water quickly and still have a safe and playable surface.” HNP is honored to contribute once again to Ole Miss Athletics. Find out more about McCarty Architects here. When UAB Medicine’s new 106-bed, 11-story inpatient rehabilitation facility opened in August 2025, a unique courtyard was revealed that features a replicated streetscape area for patients to improve their motor skills. Designed by HNP, the Skills Therapy Courtyard gives patients a safe place to practice everyday movements that help them return to independent living. With this streetscape simulation, patients practice navigating surfaces they might encounter in the city, including a crosswalk, curb, ramp, and sidewalk. Each element helps patients rebuild confidence as they practice walking, balancing, and navigating common obstacles they will face once they leave the hospital. Within the design of the courtyard, patients encounter a variety of real-world textures and surfaces, from cobblestones and concrete to asphalt and even a sand pit. Recreational elements within the Skills Therapy Courtyard include a basketball goal and a synthetic turf putting green, which aids patients in improving balance. The collaboration by HNP, Gresham Smith, MBA Engineers, Dynamic Civil Solutions, and SSOE Group showcases natural light, outdoor spaces, and thoughtful design working together to support physical healing, mental resilience, and emotional well-being. Along with the simulated city streetscape, the rooftop gardens, and even an in-clinic auto simulator for practicing car transfers are notably one-of-a-kind details carefully planned with patients’ success in mind.  HNP is partnering with the Alabama Forestry Foundation to bring the vision of “Schoolyard Forests” to life for area schools. Supported by a federal grant, the program will transform underutilized outdoor areas into engaging, educational landscapes where students can learn, play, and connect with nature. HNP’s design includes planting plans with a creative mix of trees and wildflowers, along with natural elements such as dry creek beds. Features like beehive habitats and small foot bridges will create special points of interest in these thoughtful Schoolyard Forest designs. Outdoor classroom lecture areas introduce interactive spaces that support environmental education, enhance ecological diversity, and provide lasting community benefits. Through this collaboration, HNP is proud to help shape school grounds into vibrant outdoor classrooms that inspire curiosity and stewardship of the natural world.  |
Archives
June 2026
Categories |
RSS Feed
|
|
|