Gulfstream Park

Challenge – Lack of stalls and short construction time
Solution – Three Hercules Truss Arch Buildings
Size – Two 83′ wide x 600′ long, One 85′ wide x 528′ long
Application – Stall barns

Since opening in 1939, Gulfstream Park has served as one of the most important venues for thoroughbred horse racing in the U.S. Under the ownership of the Stronach Group, the venue hosts world-renowned races like the Florida Derby, Donn Handicap, Sunshine Millions Series and the Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap.

In the summer of 2013, Gulfstream Park received over 4,000 stall applications for its forthcoming winter horse racing season. With around 2,000 stalls already on the property, the site enlisted ClearSpan to manufacture and install 100,000 square feet of additional thoroughbred stall space.

Gulfstream Park’s facility management was nervous about completing the two 83′ wide by 600′ long structures within a two month timeline. However, their nerves were calmed when ClearSpan delivered and installed both structures in under six weeks. The new stall barns allowed Gulfstream Park to house hundreds of additional horses on its property for the 2013-2014 horse racing season.

While the structures look great in the scenic landscape of South Florida’s premier thoroughbred horse racing facility, management truly appreciates the included benefits of their ClearSpan buildings, like natural lighting and ventilation. The feedback from racehorse owners has also been exceedingly positive.

“Owners love having their horses in these comfortable, natural structures,” said Dannean Malave, Director of Facilities for Gulfstream Park.

The structures were easy to install, and ClearSpan was able to work around existing buildings, causing no damage to the property. ClearSpan’s helical anchor foundation minimized site preparation expenses and allowed construction to begin right away.

The stall barns were constructed with 12′ side openings, allowing the refreshing sea-breeze to cool the horses on hot days. HVLS fans were also installed to promote additional comfort for the horses.

In the fall of 2014, Gulfstream Park was granted the privilege of hosting the world-renowned Fasig-Tipton Thoroughbred Auction. With less than six months to prepare for this event, the venue again called upon ClearSpan to provide a new 85′ wide by 528′ long fabric structure.

“ClearSpan personnel were first-class throughout the process, from salespeople, to project managers, to construction crews,” said Malave. “We did not even consider another provider, given our positive experience with ClearSpan.”

In addition to working on a second Gulfstream Park project, the Stronach Group also chose ClearSpan to install new structures at their Laurel Park location in 2015.


Equulibrium

Challenge – Inclement weather conditions
Solution – Hercules Truss Arch Building
Size – 35’W x 100’L
Application – Covered arena for therapeutic riding

For one to have equilibrium is to be in a state of rest or balance. For the doctors and staff at Equulibrium, it’s about helping others to find balance in their lives through interventional therapies with horses. In business for 12 years, founder and director Dr. Giselle Faubel, Psy.D., and licensed physical therapist Dr. Jane Burrows, D.P.T., H.P.C.S., provide pediatric and adult hippotherapy, a treatment using the multidimensional movement of horses, as well as equine-assisted psychotherapy.

In the state of Florida, relying on favorable weather to conduct treatment in outdoor arenas became a burden, especially for their patients. “We faced many appointment cancellations, were forced to reschedule clients and suffered the loss of income due to unpredictable weather conditions,” Dr. Faubel explained. After researching several building options for an indoor arena, Equulibrium ultimately chose ClearSpan Fabric Structures for its low cost per square-foot design, but they instantly experienced more piece of mind for their patients. “For the price, ClearSpan was the best company to go with,” stated Dr. Faubel. “More importantly, our autistic and sensory-impaired patients noticeably start to relax when they are inside the building, thanks to no distractions and great acoustics.”

Moreover, the south Florida heat and humidity can produce some of the most oppressive conditions in the United States, but with ClearSpan’s high-density and UV-resistant polyethylene fabric cover, customers can expect cooler conditions in the summer and warmer temperatures in the winter. Patients and staff alike at Equulibrium noticed a difference. “Some of our patients have the inability to regulate body temperature,” said Dr. Faubel. “We’ve noticed that for those who are sensitive to heat, they are the ones who have benefitted greatly from our treatments in a covered structure.”

The investment of a 35’ wide by 100’ long Hercules Truss Arch Building from ClearSpan has been twofold. Not only have the economic benefits of a fabric structure versus a traditional wood or metal building come full circle, but the convenience factor for Drs. Faubel and Burrows, as well as for their patients, has significantly improved. “The building from ClearSpan paid itself off in six months because we’ve been able to operate regardless of the weather conditions,” explained Dr. Faubel. “We can now plan workshops in the rainy season and be certain that we will be able to run without interruption.”

To learn more about the services available at Equulibrium, as well as “Equus For Humanity,” their financial aid program for families with children with disabilities, please call 954.661.8586 or visit www.equusforhumanity.com.