All Posts
McKinstry and City of Glendale Deliver Major Energy Upgrades at Foothills Recreation and Aquatics Center

McKinstry and City of Glendale Deliver Major Energy Upgrades at Foothills Recreation and Aquatics Center

McKinstry partnered with the City of Glendale, Arizona, to complete a comprehensive set of energy, infrastructure and sustainability upgrades at the Foothills Recreation and Aquatics Center. It is a vital community facility serving residents of all ages. The improvements enhance comfort, safety and long-term reliability while supporting the city’s goals for efficiency and environmental stewardship.

Lighting Upgrades Improve Safety and Visibility

Approximately 85% of the facility’s lighting was upgraded to energy-efficient LED fixtures, improving light quality and consistency across high-use spaces, including the gymnasium and racquetball courts. The project also addressed lighting systems that reached the end of their service life in stairwells. By installing long-life LED fixtures, the city improved visibility and reduced ongoing maintenance demands for facility staff.

Modern Controls and HVAC Support Comfort

The project included replacement of legacy thermostats with new programmable controls, along with installation of field controllers for fan coil units throughout the building. These upgrades give facility operations staff greater precision in managing temperature and humidity, improving comfort while increasing operational efficiency.

A new chiller was also installed to replace aging equipment that reached the end of its useful life. The upgraded system improves reliability and provides greater control, enhancing comfort for staff and community members. It also benefits groups that rent the facility for meetings, birthday parties and special events, including weddings.

Solar Canopies Deliver Energy and Community Benefits

McKinstry installed Glendale’s first city-owned solar array. It is a 533-kilowatt solar system mounted on canopy structures at the site. The system generates renewable energy for the facility while also providing shaded areas for visitors.

The shade structures have been especially valued in Arizona’s climate, offering people relief from sun exposure. Community members have also expressed strong support for the solar installation as a visible demonstration of the city’s commitment to sustainable energy and responsible resource use.

“Our customers love the shade,” said Jeneea Jervay-Bush, supervisor of aquatics and recreation at the Foothills Recreation and Aquatics Center. “We have visitors who are concerned about sun exposure, and it really made a difference for them. They were also excited to see the solar because it showed the city was thinking about more sustainable energy.”

By investing in modern systems and renewable energy, the city is strengthening facility performance, extending the life of an important public asset and improving the experience for residents and staff.