With sports divider netting, you can turn a single space into multiple training zones. There are a variety of customizable sports divider netting systems that you can design to suit your facility’s unique shape and use. This article is your guide to choosing the right type of gym divider to help you make the most of your investment.
Why Gym and Arena Divider Curtains Matter
Consider the ways you could reorganize your space to accommodate different practice sessions and tournaments with the right gym divider curtains. You not only enhance safety, but you also provide privacy and separation.
You can use arena dividers for a variety of purposes, including:
- Noise control: With the right material, you can control sound reverberations off the hard floors and walls in arenas and gyms. Sports netting can include acoustic control elements that absorb certain frequencies and control echo. That can be especially important for venues that host loud crowds.
- Privacy: Even if your gymnasium hosts multiple practices or training sessions at the same time, you can still separate those activities and provide a sense of privacy with divider curtains. Dividers are also available in solid materials, allowing you to create visual barriers.
- Safety: Containment is essential when managing a multi-purpose athletic facility or gym. Slowing ball movement and aerial projectiles reduces the risk of injury for players and audience members. They can also protect against visual distractions, helping players focus on the court or floor.
- Space management: You can create several activity areas in the space you have without overlapping accommodations. Crowd control also becomes easier when you use gym curtains to create clear divisions between games and events.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Sports Netting Dividers
- Material type: Gym dividers are available in mesh, netting, vinyl and combination materials. Each offers differing levels of airflow, ball containment and visibility, so it’s important to determine performance needs before you select a material.
- Durability: Frequency of use and impact resistance affect the durability of sports netting divider curtains. While cheaper curtains can help you save on upfront costs, they may require more frequent repairs, cleaning and replacement, which can add up over time. Look for quality stitching and reinforced hems.
- Space: Floor space, ceiling height and overhead obstructions will influence your gym divider selection. Consider the different ways in which you need to divide your court or floor and storage space requirements when curtains are retracted.
- Coverage: Gym curtains are available in full and partial floor-to-ceiling coverage. Consider the importance of proper coverage in promoting player and audience safety before making your selection.
- Installation requirements: Sports dividers are available in motorized and manual options, but the two have different installation processes. Depending on the design and weight of your system, you may need structural support and electrical service to accommodate your curtains.
- Compliance standards: Sports netting and curtains must meet safety and fire codes. Failure to adhere to those standards can put occupants at risk and result in compliance violations and citations.
Types of Gym and Arena Divider Curtains
- Walk-draw curtains: This type of manual system hangs overhead and is pulled closed and secured by hand. They’re a cost-effective solution and can be integrated with other types of netting.
- Motorized dividers: You can raise and lower your curtains with the push of a button or flip of a switch. That makes it easy to adjust and manage divider positions in large athletic facilities.
- Top-roll sports netting: You can save floor space with a top-roll divider, as this type of curtain rolls upward into the ceiling via an electric motor.
- Fold-up curtains: This option is designed to store gym dividers in folds instead of rolls. That allows you to secure your curtains to the unique contours of your facility.
Importance of Maintaining Gym Curtain Dividers
Sports netting dividers and curtains can sustain damage easily if not properly maintained. Here are some tips to keep in mind to protect your investment:
- Dust curtains regularly to avoid dust and debris buildup.
- Only use mild soap and water to clean vinyl.
- Inspect and wipe down curtain tracks monthly or quarterly to prevent rollers from sticking.
- Add lubricant to retractable systems on wheels, bearings and pulleys.
- Inspect mesh, cables and tension systems before and after use.
- Address material tears immediately to avoid further damage.
- Secure loose bolts, brackets and anchors.
Arena and Gym Curtains from Tiffin Scenic Studios
Whether you’re running a community or school gym or a professional facility, Tiffin Scenic Studios can provide you with custom athletic curtains to optimize your space. We offer a variety of sports netting products to control ball movement and keep guests and players safe. Learn about our services and contact us to schedule a consultation.