3.7.1 Gymnatorium | Chicago Public Schools

Planning Rationale

The Gymnatorium consists of a gymnasium with a raised stage at one end. It is not currently common practice for CPS to construct an independent Gymnasium and Auditorium space at the elementary school level. The CPS standard is to construct a stage or raised platform within the Gymnasium in order to provide added functionality and to provide an area to hold assemblies. Activities supported by a Gymnatorium include, but are not limited to the following: lectures including projection, stage plays, musical performances (bands, choirs, etc.), award ceremonies, graduation ceremonies, and other participatory events. Additional seating provided with folding chairs when required.

CPS has a history of partnering with the Chicago Park District to provide after hours use of athletic facilities. As a result, administrative and support accommodations for outside facilitators have become part of the standard design program.

Design Considerations

Location

Elementary schools shall contain a Gymnatorium ideally positioned within the building in a location that can easily serve the school population and community use. Optimally, the Gymnatorium space is located on the ground floor adjacent to the Lobby space and Toilet Rooms. This configuration allows for an after hours event enabling for the remainder of the building to be secured. Consideration shall be given to locating this space adjacent to outdoor fields/play equipment.

Layout

The following is a list of the various components of a Gymnatorium:

Structural Bays:

Column free open space shall be designed to include a 74’ by42’ court at a minimum, with 5’-10’ wide perimeter aisles. Two (2) distinct physical learning environments shall be accommodated at the half court utilizing a gymnasium divider curtain.

Doors:

Interior: Provide doors to restrict access to certain parts of the building during after hours activities. Coordinate with school on specific requirements.
Exterior: Provide push to exit panic devices and no exterior hardware at exterior door locations. Provide a minimum of one (1) double door.

Instructional Space: The gymnasium serves as an instructional space to support two (2) distinct separate classes for a total of 70-90 students at the same time with a gymnasium divider curtain and flush-mounted floor sleeves.

Markerboards: Two (2) shall be provided on either side of bleachers with Velcro attachments to adhere wall padding when not in use. Markerboards shall not have the tray along bottom.
Tack Surfaces: Provide two (2) located at Gymnatorium entrances.
Portable Markerboards: In addition to the wall mounted markerboards, provide for flexibility and store them in the adjacent Gymnatorium Storage.
Power and Data Infrastructure: Provide for portable digital display monitors provided by the school.

Gymnasium Divider Curtain: Provide to divide the space into two PE teaching stations. Divider curtain shall be coordinated with the structural system.
Bleachers: Provide the maximum amount along the long side of the court at one side of the gym; a minimum of 3 rows. For 3 rows, bleachers shall be manually operated, 4 to 6 rows may be manually or electronically operated, and 6 or more rows must be electronically operated. When fully deployed, bleachers are not to interfere with court clearances.
Wall Area:

Wall Padding: Provide wall padding on all perimeter walls with one reinforced wall free of pads to support manipulative activities such as throwing and kicking.
Wall Mounted Acoustical Padding: Provide Wall mounted Acoustical Panels placed along the perimeter of the Gymnasium out of the reach of students as well as visitors seated in the bleachers.
Traverse Wall (horizontal climbing wall): Traverse wall system includes a mat locking system and safety mats.
Refer to Instructional Space listed above for markerboard and tack surface requirements.

Playing Court: Full sized regulation Elementary School sized basketball court with CPS standard game line striping configurations for basketball and all other programmed sporting activities. Provide school logo at half court if required.

Game Lines/Striping:
Basketball: Game Lines/ striping shall be provided for one (1) competition size basketball court (74’ x 42’) and two (2) side courts with appropriate safety and scoring zones at the perimeter of the courts. The main competition basketball court shall be designed as competition sized, but with the bleacher seating in the extended position. The practice courts (or cross courts) shall be designed with the bleacher seating in the retracted position. The width of each practice court shall be equal to the competition court width. However, the practice courts may include a shortened overall court length. They shall include a regulation sized free throw area at each end of each practice court.
Volleyball: Game Lines/striping shall be provided for one (1) competition sized court (60’ x 30’) and two (2) side courts with appropriate safety, scoring and serving zones at the perimeter of the courts. The main competition court shall be designed with the bleacher seating in the extended position. The practice courts (or cross courts) shall be designed with the bleacher seating in the retracted position. Recessed volleyball sleeves shall be indicated and coordinated for competition and practice. The minimum height to the underside of the structure/ceiling or any overhead obstruction is 23’-0”.

Equipment: May include, but not be limited to the following: basketball backboard/backstops and goals, scoreboards, nets, standards, anchoring devices, and traverse wall (horizontal climbing wall). For further details see CPS specification 11 66 23.11 Gymnasium Equipment.

Basketball Backboard/Backstop Assembly: A total of six (6) powered, retractable basketball backboard/ backstops shall be provided. Backboards shall lift above the top of the stage proscenium opening.
Volleyball Flush-Mounted Floor Sleeves: Provide two (2) Flush-mounted floor sleeves, stanchions and netting necessary for volleyball play. Recessed sleeves shall be indicated and coordinated for competition and practice.
Additional Floor Sleeves: Provide four (4) additional flush-mounted floor sleeves to be run longitudinally along the basketball court to support multiple learning stations.

Storage: Provide storage for the variety of activities that the Gymnatorium supports. Shall be accessible directly from the Gymnatorium with ease of access for equipment and materials via a rated double door. Maximize wall surface for shelving.
Trophy Display Cases: Shall be provided in a prominent location in the athletic area for public viewing, either in the lobby or within a main corridor. The display case shall be a minimum of 20 feet long and 6 feet high mounted 24 inches above the finished floor.
Physical Education Office: Provided an office with glazing for supervision adjacent to and accessible from the Gymnatorium.

Stage: Similar to the full auditorium house stage including, but not limited to: fire rated overhead coiling door, stage curtain, stage lighting and rigging, and various storage rooms.
Theatrical and Lighting Consultants: These consultants shall be engaged as part of the design team on every project that includes a stage.
Acoustic: An acoustical consultant shall be engaged as part of the design team on every project that includes a stage.

Special care including sound absorptive materials shall be provided regarding the acoustical impact to the Gymnatorium and adjoining spaces (including the Lobby) to control echoes and reverberant energy
No mechanical spaces shall be located directly adjacent to the Stage and Gymnatorium

Stage Type: The stage shall meet all requirements as listed in the Chicago Building Code (CBC).
Proscenium: During athletic events and practices, the proscenium is closed off by a fire rated overhead coiling door.
Audience Seating: The audience shall be seated in movable seats arranged in rows on the flat Gymnatorium floor. Seats shall be laid out to meet City requirements for seating and accessibility requirements. Accessible access to the stage shall utilize a vertical platform lift from the Gymnatorium to one side of the stage. At least one entry shall be accessible.
Fire Rated Overhead Coiling Door: A fire rated, lockable overhead coiling door to separate the gymnasium area from the stage. Shall be provided for protection of the on stage elements and to prevent gymnasium equipment from entering the stage.
Stage Curtain: A main curtain capable of closing the proscenium opening and sized to prevent views of the top hanging condition (pipe or traveler) from the seating area.
Stage Lighting and Rigging: Adjustable stage lighting and related rigging shall be provided in a protective enclosure, which is accessible by scissors lift. Sufficient power shall be provided at the Gymnatorium wall opposite the stage opening to accommodate a follow spotlight.
Assisted Listening Devices: Shall be provided in accordance with Accessibility Code requirements.
Dimming Equipment: A separate panel for the stage dimming shall be provided at stage level. The stage lighting control console shall be operable from the stage and a location within the seating area of the gymnatorium.
Equipment Access: a scissor lift shall be used in lieu of catwalks

Additional Items for Consideration

Drinking Fountains: Located in or near the entrance to the Gymnatorium. If located within Gymnatorium, it shall be located within an alcove. Provide a 3-level drinking fountain with an accessible, integral hands free bottle filler. Do not locate over wood flooring.
Natural Light and Views: Clerestory windows with interior guards are required in the Gymnatorium to allow natural light into the space while minimizing glare. Provide motorized room darkening window shades for natural lighting control during theater performance.
Equipment: Lighting, audio equipment, speakers, assisted listening devices, clocks, scoreboard, etc. shall be coordinated within the space and protected by safety cages. Confirm that walls can accommodate structural loads associated with the equipment.
Outdoor Multipurpose Space: Outdoor space shall be provided with access from the Gymnatorium which includes green space and/or athletic fields.

Room Data Sheets

3.7.1 Gymnatorium Data Sheets

3.7.1 PHYSICAL Education Office Data Sheets

3.7.1 Gymnatorium Storage Room Data Sheet

3.7.1 Stage Data Sheets

3.7.1 Stage Storage Data Sheet

Room Layout Template

3.7.1 Gymnatorium