The Mt. SAC gymnasium and aquatics center in Walnut, California, has been awarded LEED Silver certification.

At Mt. SAC, athletics isn’t just a part of their identity—it’s the heartbeat of the community. Renowned for their elite athletics programs, they continue to set the benchmark in the region. The new Kinesiology and Athletics Complex is a testament to this commitment, replacing outdated facilities with modern infrastructure to support the athletic pursuits of 800 athletes across 23 sports, creating an environment where champions are forged. The gymnasium and aquatics center are just two of the spaces that make up this 685,000+ SF complex which also features a state-of-the-art 12,000-seat stadium, a fieldhouse, a wellness center, tennis courts, a parking structure, and Heritage Hall. Guided by the school’s mission to deliver top-tier and accessible programs, the design pays homage to a rich athletics heritage, attracts significant events like national championships and Olympic trials, balances training and competition with community engagement, enhances campus identity, and draws in the surrounding community.

Adhering to the campus Climate Action Plan, the project prioritized sustainable strategies that benefit users’ health, performance, education, and experience. Climate conditions were studied to ensure comfortable conditions both inside and out. The plaza features abundant tree and planting areas creating additional space to support daily social interactions, instructional space, and event experiences at both small and large scales. Glazing throughout the facility allows for ample daylight and connects users to nature with views of the surrounding mountains. Interior finish selections were made to support high-performance athletic use, align with campus standards, and provide healthy environments where student athletes and the larger community can train and perform at their best. The construction team was able to divert 78% of construction waste from the landfill and the project uses nearly 40% less water and 20% less energy than baseline projects. Energy and water submetering have been included to confirm water and energy use stays on track. This new facility supports the college athletics mantra “Where the World’s Best Athletes Compete”; it creates a new first impression on the eastern edge of campus and acts as a new fitness hub for all athletic needs serving the college and the greater community.