Polyfields

Altadena, California

Gruen Associates partnered with Polytechnic School to study the feasibility of transforming a 13-acre former nursery site in Altadena into PolyFields, a student-focused athletic and outdoor enrichment campus. A key aspect of the planning was the preservation of existing oak trees, along with exploring the permanent conservation of additional adjacent land that holds cultural and historical significance as part of the ancestral territory of the Gabrielino-Tongva San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians.

The study assessed the potential to develop two athletic fields with bleacher seating and lighting, tennis courts, and a fitness and administrative facility. To complement the semi-rural neighborhood, the design emphasized a small-scale, residential aesthetic. Additionally, the study considered creating publicly accessible open space and landscaped trails in surrounding areas. These trails could support recreation, equestrian activities, and nature observation while protecting biodiversity and preserving the tranquil setting. The study aimed to evaluate how the site could meet educational, environmental, and community needs while respecting its natural and cultural heritage.