An interesting trend has been developing in the construction of high school athletic training and practice facilities. They’ve been getting larger. Much larger.
There are a few reasons behind this trend.
- Climate Control for Outdoor Sports: Sports where practices have traditionally taken place outside are now moving training and practice inside. This guarantees predictable practice time even when the elements aren’t cooperating. Football practice facilities in places like Texas are prime examples.
- Multiple Use: Large, multi-purpose facilities allow schools to maximize their space so several sports and even marching bands can use the space simultaneously.
- Recruitment: In both college and high school, having a large, modern, and holistic indoor facility can be a draw for student athletes looking to make the most of their talent and improve their chances of moving on to the next level.
The size of these buildings can make safely conducting multiple practices and events challenging. Creating separate spaces with gym dividers has also been challenging, requiring one or more curtains and leaving gaps.
It was for these very large practice facilities that Draper developed an extra-large safety solution.
The Ridge-Fold XL Divider Curtain provides a single, expansive curtain up to 200 feet wide and 70 feet tall, tailored for larger gym spaces to ensure there are no gaps for a unified seamless appearance and so no loose balls or other equipment can get through.
Ridge-Fold XL expands on our proven Ridge-Fold design but with greater torque, larger pulleys, and heavier curtains. Despite their size, Ridge-Fold XL divider curtain lifting cables attach to custom-cut cores, guiding the curtain to fold accordion-style along the roof slope and match the building’s contour. This configuration maximizes overhead space and ensures smooth transitions between activities.
But the Ridge-Fold XL isn’t just big. It’s also smart! It is compatible with the Draper EZ Power Wireless Remote Control, EZ-Pad 3.0, or the Smart Gym Control System, so it can be easily integrated into a facility-wide control and operation plan.
Click here to learn more about this big idea for gym safety.
