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Working with the city of London in southern Ontario, this project consisted of a much-needed upgrade to the seating in one of the city’s most popular community centres. A hub for athletic activity and community gatherings, the North London Optimist Community Centre also supports other community initiatives by offering residents spacious meeting rooms and spaces complete with kitchenettes. The unique facility allows members of London’s community to rent these spaces for functions such as bridal and baby showers, registration events, corporate meetings and birthday parties.
The facility is, however, better known for their extensive sports and recreation activities. Home to a large gymnasium, three indoor tennis courts, two indoor squash courts and the city’s only roller skating program, there is no shortage of sporting-inspired programming at the location.
Towards the end of last year, the city reached out to our team as they were investigating the possibility of upgrading some outdated bleacher seating within the large gymnasium. While the current wooden bleachers were still very much functional, the facility was looking for an upgrade that would not only better serve their community but one that would allow for more floor space and versatility.
This is where our telescopic bleachers truly steal the show, allowing users a safe seating system that quickly and easily retracts when not in use. This function allows for additional floor space when spectators are not present and more space for participants.
With existing pre-engineered steel building columns, our team was left with the task of designing the seating systems to fit between each of the columns.
Working closely with stakeholders with the city, our team was able to acquire accurate measurements and design four banks of retractable bleachers for the gymnasium. Measuring 20 feet long and featuring five rows of seating, the community centre is now equipped with a stellar seating system designed to last for many years to come.
