Pools and Platforms: Dubuque Community School District
Pools and Platforms: Dubuque Community School District
August 13, 2021
Dubuque Community School District, located in Dubuque, Iowa recently added a brand new Aquatics Center for their swim teams in partnership with one of the local swim clubs. The previous space had a small timing deck in the corner but this pool has a moveable bulkhead that allows for changing starting points during different seasons. As a result of this, they wanted a moveable platform that could change for each swim season.
We recently had the opportunity to speak with Activities and Athletics Director Brent Cook about their decision-making process and how it has impacted their community. Here’s what he had to say.
What features were most important in the buying process?
“Cost was one factor, but something sturdy with a professional appearance was paramount as well. The new Aquatics Center will be the center piece of the swimming community (and those that visit to compete in that venue) so we needed something that enhanced our area, not distract from the new space. We also needed some way to get our Public Address and Computer Operators off the deck, yet not too high to block spectator views from the seating area.”
How did you learn about StageRight?
“Another school in our conference built a new aquatics center a few years before Dubuque Community Schools began our construction. That school (Linn-Mar) had a StageRight platform similar to the one we purchased. Our teams, coaches, and swim clubs have used that pool (Linn-Mar) and knew of it’s PA / Timing center. DCSD reached out to Linn-Mar to learn more about their product and lead us to our purchase.”
What specific product did you purchase?
“We purchased a flat platform with rails on 3 sides. The open side pushes up against the back wall. We included steps for ease of getting up and down for our PA /Computer operators.”
What was the most important factor in choosing StageRight?
“Having a testimonial from another school was the greatest factor to us. Another school using the system in an environment that sometimes can be a bit tricky to maintain. It was not cost prohibitive and we felt that this system would work well in our new aquatics center as well.”
How smooth was the process from when you ordered to when you started using it?
“The process was quite easy for us; we basically asked for the same set-up that our other conference school was utilizing. If we choose to lengthen the “stage” area, it will be easy to add on another section or two. The time from order to production was not too long. We didn’t time our order quite as early as we needed (the pool construction was delayed a few times) to make it in time for our first meets, but since its arrival, it has been a great addition to our new center.”
How have you been able to use the stage since having it?
“The stage never comes down in the aquatics center. We leave it up to serve the needs of our swim teams and swim club partner. We have hosted several “additional” swim meets in the new aquatics center that we would not have had the ability to do in the past. The StageRight platform puts our PA/Computer operators above the action on the deck, while still not impeding the views of the fans from above. Overall, this product has been a great addition to the DCSD Aquatics Center.”
We’re glad that Dubuque Community School District and their surrounding community are getting great use out of their new platform and that it enhances their brand new space. We here at StageRight wish them luck and want to say thank you for allowing us to be part of their success for many more swim seasons to come!
