Transforming College of the Desert’s Physical Training Field: A Case Study

Following the pandemic, College of the Desert (COD) recognized that its physical training field, vital for delivering California-certified police and correctional officer training, no longer met the required standards. In response, COD spearheaded a complete overhaul of the field, prioritizing the safety of both students and staff. This emphasis on safety was pivotal in securing funding from the Strong Workforce Development program, as it directly connected the project to improved student outcomes, particularly in course completions and certification attainment. 

With funding in place, COD engaged in a collaborative partnership with its facilities department, which identified KYA, a facility modernization contractor, as a potential vendor for the project. After meeting with COD representatives, KYA demonstrated a deep understanding of the college’s requirements, particularly the stringent standards for California-certified training. Recognizing COD’s partnership with Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in providing police and correctional officer training, KYA worked closely with both entities to develop a design that met the comprehensive needs of all stakeholders. Notably, they were able to accommodate specific requests, such as the preservation of existing trees and the installation of energy-efficient lighting for the running track, demonstrating their commitment to tailoring the project to COD’s unique needs.

Throughout the project, KYA exhibited exceptional dedication, skillfully navigating multiple plan revisions and collaborating closely with COD on scheduling within the specified six-month timeline set by the funding source. Despite challenging weather conditions, KYA successfully completed the project on schedule. Furthermore, following the project’s completion, they promptly addressed minor cracks on the running track by implementing a thorough repair plan. COD has praised the process as smooth and stress-free, emphasizing the strength of KYA’s collaborative approach. This successful partnership stands as a powerful example of how innovation and teamwork can overcome challenges and deliver transformative results.

CollegeBuys is proud to assist districts in modernizing their facilities and moving toward sustainable solutions with trusted partners like KYA. For more details on how to take advantage of FoundationCCC’s agreement with KYA, please contact cbcontracts@foundationccc.org.