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BLACKSTONE VALLEY REGIONAL VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL
HIGH SCHOOL LEADS BY EXAMPLE
ATLANTA, GA, MARCH 21, 2006 - Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School (BVT) in Upton, MA merits attention for its new facilities and their construction. The recent 82,000-square-foot addition includes an 11,000-square-foot gymnasium called the Competition Center with seating for 1,400 spectators. The school's expansion project led to its designation as a "Green School" by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative and to its gym being recognized as "Project of the Year 2005" by Gerflor Sports Flooring.
BVT administrators required a gym floor for physical education classes, sports competitions, graduations, assemblies and non-traditional activities with some events taking place simultaneously. The varied programs BVT hosts and plans to host include robotic challenges, training seminars, LEGO team competitions, career and trade exhibitions, culinary prep contests, fashion shows, public speaking events and science/engineering fairs.
After months of intensive use, administrators know they made the right installation choice with Oak Design Taraflex® Sports Flooring. "We are extremely pleased with the flooring and its performance thus far," said Superintendent-Director Dr. Michael Fitzpatrick. "After walking on the surface, people quickly comment on the cushioned feel underfoot."
In late 2005, the gym served as a venue for the MA Girls State Volleyball Championships and afterwards, Dr. Fitzpatrick said the coaches of the competing teams sought him out. "They were highly complimentary about the Taraflex® floor and said it was easy on the knees and the players didn't slide," said Dr. Fitzpatrick. "They liked it a lot and told me it gives and is not the regular hardwood. Additionally our own athletes have commented on the increased traction and bounce of the Taraflex® floor compared to other floor compositions."
"Blackstone Valley administrators entered the search process knowing they needed a durable gym floor that could withstand non-typical uses and a high volume of traffic," said Stephane Leudet, Gerflor national sales manager. "They appreciate Taraflex's simple maintenance which contributes to the school's ongoing environmental focus."
In addition to performance advantages, the Taraflex® floor provides another benefit to the school. BVT's expansion and renovation utilized energy efficient and environmentally friendly construction initiatives. The Taraflex® floor which requires cleaning with only a damp mop and an automatic scrubber plays an ongoing role in that effort. "This longer-lasting flooring that does not require regular painting and polyurethane applications is most certainly a welcome contributor to those environmental efforts," noted Dr. Fitzpatrick.
The Taraflex® Oak Design floor incorporates the school logo and baseline lettering in purple and sandstone. Advantage Sport USA, Inc. of Winooski, VT installed it.
The Massachusetts Insight Education & Research Institute named BVT a 2005 Vanguard Model School. In 2004, the school received the National School Change Award from the Fordham University Graduate School of Education, Pearson Education and the American Association of School Administrators (AASA). The AASA also honored the school with its Leadership for Learning and Presidents Technology awards. For more information, visit www.valleytech.k12.ma.us.
All Taraflex® synthetic floors are designed for safety and comfort. Their multi-layered construction includes 100% pure vinyl, a reinforced fiberglass grid and closed-cell foam backing to provide shock absorption, help fight fatigue and deliver consistent ball bounce. Product treatments ensure easy maintenance, stain resistance and prevention of mold and bacteria growth. Taraflex® floors meet and exceed the stringent performance standards mandated by all major flooring associations. Gerflor Sports Flooring, LLC is the exclusive agent for Gerflor Sports Flooring.
For more information, call 800-727-7505.