Master Planning and Bond Preparation for K–12 Athletic Facilities in Texas

When it comes to athletic facilities, getting it right from the beginning is critical. At AE Sports, we understand that school districts only get one opportunity to do it right — and we're here to ensure that opportunity is maximized through thoughtful master planning and strategic bond preparation

Why Master Planning Matters:

Master planning is the foundational step for any successful athletic facility project. It provides a comprehensive roadmap that helps school districts plan, fund, and execute capital improvement projects. For K–12 institutions in Texas, this is especially important as athletic facilities not only support student development but also serve as a source of community pride.

Step 1: Identifying Needs/Wants & Outlining Scope of Work:

The process begins with documenting your objectives for the project. This includes identifying

• What sports programs the facility must support.

• Which teams and community groups will use the facilities.

• Whether land acquisition is necessary.

• Whether we are working with existing structures (demo and rebuild) or building on a new site.

We work closely with stakeholders to determine the best location and configuration for each facility; whether that’s a football stadium, track, tennis courts, baseball/softball or a new multi-use complex.

Step 2: Existing Site Verification and Testing, Inspection & Assessments.

Once the site has been preliminarily selected, our team conducts a comprehensive land survey to verify topography, utilities, drainage, and access. This ensures that our layout and design are grounded in real-world conditions, minimizing surprises later in the process,

To Learn more about AE Sports Existing Conditions Verification Process Click Here: Why Existing-Conditions Verification Is the Cornerstone of Every Successful Sport-Facility Project

Our master planning process also includes facility assessments that help support bond initiatives. These reports

• Highlight current deficiencies such as base failure or surface wear & tear.

• Include photo documentation.

• Offer budget and scheduling projections.

These assessments are powerful tools for communicating need and justifying investment, especially when previous bond proposals have fallen short.

To Learn more about AE Sports Design Services & Process Click Here: Testing, Inspection & Assessments

Step 3: Layout and Preliminary Design:

Dimensional accuracy and regulatory compliance are non-negotiables in athletic facility planning. Whether designing a 400-meter track that meets World Athletics (Formerly IAAF) certification or aligning a baseball field to UIL/NFHS or NCAA standards, AE Sports ensures that every facility meets or exceeds applicable guidelines.

For shared or multi-sport fields, we overlay and color-code sport markings for clarity, helping to ensure every field: hockey, soccer, football, and lacrosse lines are distinct and properly marked.

Using the survey data, we create a preliminary site layout that reflects:

• Proper orientation and spacing of athletic fields and courts.

• Correct dimensional control based on the intended level of play (e.g., Little League vs. High School vs. NCAA).

• Overlay planning for multi-use fields (e.g., football, soccer, lacrosse).

Renderings and layouts are shared with the owner for review and coordination, allowing for early input before final design begins.

To Learn more about AE Sports Design Services & Process Click Here: Design & Professional Services

Step 4: Budgeting and Scheduling:

At this stage, we develop preliminary cost estimates and schedule projections based on the proposed scope of work. These estimates are crucial for informing bond proposals and communicating realistic timelines to stakeholders.

It’s important to note that all figures are preliminary; final costs and timelines will be confirmed once construction documents are completed and competitive bids are received from contractors.

Planning for the Future, Delivering for the Present.

From site selection and surveys to layout, budgeting, and stakeholder coordination, AE Sports offers full-service master planning that sets your district up for long-term success. Our work doesn’t just meet today's needs — it helps lay the foundation for tomorrow’s champions.

Ready to create an enduring legacy for your community?

Contact us today to discuss how we can bring your vision to life. Fill out the contact form on our website to get started: WORK WITH US