Challenge
Rock Climb Fairfield is a climbing gym originally built in the early-2000s in Fairfield, CT. Over the course of several years the facility saw a number of additions and expansions to accommodate the gym’s growing membership, resulting in a complex layout that now consists of seven independent climbing zones requiring varying types of flooring surfaces. When preparing to upgrade the flooring throughout the facility, RCF’s goal was to bring the gym into compliance with current fall zone standards outlined in the EESTI Standard – the European Standard for Impact Area in bouldering and belayed climbing areas. Futurist was challenged with the task of reworking the flooring layout and providing solutions that would adequately protect each section of the gym.
Approach
We began by taking accurate laser measurements of RCF’s entire facility and used the results to develop a new map of the space that distinguishes climbing zones from walkways, egress and ADA access areas. We designated a specific use for each climbing zone and incorporated the landing surface and coverage area appropriate to each of those uses. We then made materials selections that accommodate the RCF aesthetic and budgetary needs while adhering to Futurist standards for flooring thickness and material quality. In areas of the gym where the volume of climbing wall requires fall zones that exceed the corresponding available floor space, we recommended the decommissioning of a portion of those walls, allowing for sufficient landing surfaces for the protectable climbing and eliminating conflicting fall zones.
Outcome
The new flooring solutions not only brought Rock Climb Fairfield into compliance with the EESTI Standards, they have had a positive impact on the gym in many other respects. The new layout has changed the way customers intuitively move through the space, improved the staff’s ability to monitor activity in the facility and is more efficient for janitorial and maintenance services – all of which increase ease of operations and ultimately enhance the customer experience.
With the new flooring installed it’s as if Rock Climb Fairfield is a new gym. Beyond the significant improvement to risk management our entire facility is brighter, cleaner and far more professional looking. This is all due to Futurist Climbing and we cannot thank them enough.
Matthew Conroy
Manager, Rock Climb Fairfield
