The Best Seats
In The House

One of the most common upgrades we perform in school gymnasiums is the removal and replacement of outdated folding partitions. These large and clunky structures were once used to separate gymnasiums, but were ultimately found to be potentially hazardous causing a number of unfortunate accidents, including severe injury and even death. So when their functionality begins to look compromised, most operators are quick to look for a replacement.

Built in 1998, W.O. Mitchell Elementary school in Ottawa’s west end was equipped with one of these partitions. With the system showing its age, the Ottawa Carleton District School Board quickly put out a call to replace the aging structure.

Having extensive knowledge and experience with these types of projects, we were quick to lend a hand and offer viable solutions for separating the gymnasium with safety in mind. The school was still interested in dividing the space as these old partitions once had, but wanted a more modern solution.

While we have a number of different styles to offer, our centre-drive divider curtain is one of our most requested models. Without the requirement of belts, cables, or rollers, this model features a centralized roller pipe that is wrapped simultaneously with both upper and lower vinyl sections when in operation. This eliminates any wear points on the curtain vinyl and allows the curtain to operate at twice the speed of conventional gym curtains, lowering set-up times and gymnasium downtime.

Using a simple and easy-to-use key switch, these curtains are quickly deployed and easily stored when not in use, literally, with the turn of a key. With a list of customization options available to buyers including custom colours and printing, the school ultimately decided to go with a customized purple colour for the vinyl, matching the school’s colours to showcase and promote their  school pride for all to see.

Our team was tasked not only with the new installation, but also with the safe removal and disposal of the existing partition. Working closely with our partners at Enstone Construction on this project, the installation went smoothly and the school’s athletic programming continued seamlessly without pause or delay.