Outstanding Facilities Awards

To be eligible for the 2025 NIRSA Outstanding Facilities Award:

• The school being nominated for the award must be a current NIRSA institutional member
• Project must be a new construction or an expansion/renovation
• Project must have been opened between November 1, 2022 and October 31, 2024
• Indoor and Outdoor submissions will be accepted every year
• Recreation Department must be a main member of the facility

Facilities that have won the award in the past are now eligible to apply for the award again but must meet all general eligibility standards above as well as the following criteria:

• The facility must be at least 10 years removed from winning the award previously
• If the project is a renovation, approximately 50% of the original space must be affected and the renovation must show significant change to the space. Significant change should be addressed in the executive summary, including information about the change/benefit to the program and details about what the renovation added to the space that was not previously available
• If no renovation is done, the project must include an expansion of approximately 50% of the square footage of the original facility

The Outstanding Facilities Award Committee, evaluates each facility for its architectural design, functionality, and how well it meets its intended purpose. Facilities are judged in the following areas:

• Correlation to Campus Master Plan & Mission
• Intended and Actual Impact on the Recreational Program
• Unique Aesthetic of Architectural Features
• Relationship Between Facility Design & Staffing
• Innovative Construction Materials or Methods
• Sustainable Features
• Technological Benefits for Customer, Staff and/or Budget

Please Note: The most successful applications are completed with representation from both the institution and the architectural firm or representative. Information regarding the construction project details and the impact on recreational programs and services should be combined to provide a well thought out, collaborative application.

Entry fee for NIRSA Outstanding Facilities Award: $290 per entry*

• You can pay for your entries online using Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover credit cards. A link for submitting payment can be found at the bottom of the application. Applications are not considered complete until payment is received.

If you wish to pay with a credit card via telephone or by check, please contact our Billing Coordinator at 541-766-8211 after submitting your application.

*Fees subject to change

These awards honor facilities that demonstrate excellence in a number of critical areas, including architectural design, functionality, and how well the facility meets its intended purpose. Winning facilities exemplify the institution’s commitment to providing the higher education experience desired and valued by students.

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