How KIS Reignwood Park is Forging Champions

The lotus leaf, a revered Thai symbol of growth, is more than a motif at KIS Reignwood Park (KISRP) – it is a guiding principle. Spread over a sweeping 60- acre campus, the lotus leaf is woven into the very fabric of the architecture, emphasising the school’s commitment to student development. After just two years of construction, KISRP opened their gates in August 2024, welcoming their inaugural class. Thanks to a private tour led by Director of Operations Timothy Chappell, Masala witnessed firsthand the impressive facilities awaiting both current and future students. Among these, the exceptional athletic spaces crafted by SEARA Sports Systems stand out as a highlight. 

These aren’t just training grounds, they’re arenas for peak performance. With dedicated fitness and gymnastics areas, a full-fledged climbing wall, four tennis courts, five football pitches, and more facilities on the way; KIS athletes have everything they need to rise as champions. 

SPORTS COMPLEX: 

VERSATILITY IN ACTION 

The heart of the indoor facilities is the Sports Complex. Designed to accommodate a multitude of sports, from basketball and volleyball to badminton and rock climbing, this complex would feel right at home at a four-year university. Light floods the space through the large windows, creating an open atmosphere, while the sheer scale of the structure is astounding, with ample room for teams to compete and spectators to cheer them on. The high-performance wooden flooring system with shock absorption and anti-slip properties minimises injury risk, while the outer PU flooring provides additional durability and safety. 

FITNESS CENTRE 

Occupying two floors, the fitness centre is equipped with a plethora of cutting-edge Life Fitness machines, curated by SEARA. A full spectrum of training options is available – from cardio conditioning to strength training. I especially appreciated the multiple pull-up stations and monkey bars, as well as the wide range of free dumbbells and plates. Look down or on the wall, and you will see the Wolves emblem proudly stamped – the KISRP mascot. Meanwhile, the modular rubber flooring in the fitness area maximises space and clearly identifies zones for cardio, freestyle, and CrossFit, promoting comprehensive physical development. The two-layer rubber tiles provide a comfortable and safe floor while also protecting the equipment. 

GYMNASTICS HALL & CLIMBING WALL 

Nearby, the Gymnastics Hall provides a focused environment for developing agility, balance, and precision. Springy, specialised rubber floor systems and professional-grade gymnastics apparatus create a safe space for gymnasts to hone their skills. Opposite the gymnastics equipment is my favourite part of this hall: the climbing wall. It is really quite remarkable, and better than some dedicated climbing gyms I’ve visited in Bangkok. There are several bouldering routes of various difficulties, including jugs, slopers, and crimps - as well as longer top-rope routes. I even counted four auto-belays (motorised systems which slow your descent automatically), which is a feat for any institution. 

AQUATIC CENTRE 

The aquatic centre features an Olympic-sized pool, protected by a metal truss roof that shields the facility from the elements, and complemented by well-placed spectator seating. Enhancing both function and aesthetics, SEARA Sports has upgraded the decking with carefully chosen, non-slip EPDM materials for added safety and heat resistance, ensuring a comfortable environment for students and teachers. At the starting blocks, athletes can poise themselves before diving into the water at the sound of the starting gun. 

ELEVATED JOGGING TRACK 

Set on a slightly raised platform, the elevated jogging track provides a smooth, well-cushioned surface designed for consistent training in any weather. With its specialised flooring system, runners can enjoy optimal support and stability, reducing impact on joints while maintaining maximum performance. 

VENTURING OUTDOORS: FIELDS AND COURTS 

Stepping outside, the scale of KISRP’s commitment truly comes to life. SEARA Sports has extended its design expertise across the sprawling campus, creating an array of fields, courts, and lanes that blend seamlessly with the landscape, offering a well-rounded athletic environment. 

FLOODLIT FOOTBALL PITCHES 

Anchoring the outdoor facilities are the floodlit football pitches, complete with robust fencing, partitions, and professional-grade lighting systems — ready for evening training sessions and competitive matches. Designed with Thailand’s tropical climate in mind, the pitches feature advanced drainage systems to prevent waterlogging and ensure year-round playability. Later this year, the Real Madrid Academy will be bringing their coaches and teams here for training. “It was a perfect fit,” explained Chapell. “They’re a world-class football academy, and KISRP has world-class facilities.” 

SMALLER FIELDS & COURTS 

(PYP/DORMITORY) 

SEARA Sports has also designed smaller football fields and basketball courts near the PYP building and dormitories, ensuring students have easy access to recreation. These spaces encourage casual play and foster a sense of community, allowing younger students and boarding residents to stay active right outside their doors. 

TENNIS COURTS 

In the final stages of completion, the tennis courts boast a professional-grade playing surface in a striking blue hue, designed for both training and competition. Enclosed by durable green fencing, they offer a focused environment for players; while towering light poles ensure matches can continue into the evening. 

JOGGING & CYCLING LANES 

Winding throughout the campus are dedicated jogging and cycling lanes, designed to promote an active lifestyle. These wellness pathways not only link various parts of the school but also motivate both students and faculty to make movement a part of their daily routines. With the campus’s greenery surrounding them, these lanes provide a refreshing environment for exercise, aligning with the school’s focus on well-being. 

KIS Reignwood Park, in collaboration with SEARA Sports, offers an environment designed for world-class athletic development. These state-of-the-art facilities go beyond student use, hosting elite academies like the Real Madrid Academy and events such as the ICON Series Reignwood Icons of Football tournament. It’s a place where champions are made. These facilities provide KIS Reignwood Park students with the resources, space, and environment to develop their athletic potential. 

We spoke with Timothy Chappell, Director of Operations at KISRP, who gave us some more insight into the sports facilities. 

What made SEARA stand out from other design and consultancy firms? 

SEARA stood out due to their extensive experience in designing high-performance sports facilities in Thailand. We’ve also been working with SEARA for the past few years since KIS Bangkok, and were happy with their commitment and engagement in our projects. 

Not only do they have a reputation for completing major facilities within the industry, the finished product is always excellent and durable, and projects are always well managed, with regular meetings, updates, quality control, and inspections. 

Are there any plans to open these facilities for larger inter-school events or community programs? 

Yes, we envision our sports facilities becoming a hub for competitive sports and community engagement. We plan to host inter-school tournaments, regional sporting events, and training programs in collaboration with external partners. All this allows athletes of all ability levels to benefit from our world-class facilities. 

How do you see these facilities shaping the next generation of KIS athletes? 

These facilities provide KIS Reignwood Park students with the resources, space, and environment to develop their athletic potential. By offering world class and professional-grade training facilities, we aim to nurture well-rounded student-athletes who excel in both skill and sportsmanship. Beyond competitive success, these spaces promote a culture of health, resilience, and teamwork, empowering students to embrace lifelong fitness and well-being.