Parkside Elementary & Hamilton High

At both Parkside School and Hamilton High School, the theater spaces had a lot of history – but also a lot of aging equipment that was becoming difficult to safely maintain and use. From outdated lighting systems to worn curtains and old rigging infrastructure, both schools needed updates that would allow the spaces to function reliably again for students, staff, and the community.

Avenue Systems was selected to step in and help move the projects forward. The goal wasn’t just to replace equipment, but to help these schools create safer, more functional spaces for performances, assemblies, and arts education.

Each school came with its own set of challenges. At Parkside School for the Arts, the team worked around a custom electrical panel dating back to the 1940s, along with an old crank hoist system that had become unsafe over time. At Hamilton High School, the existing counterweight system could no longer safely support new lighting fixtures, which meant the team had to find a practical solution that worked within the limitations of the space.

Safety played a major role throughout the project. Avenue Systems’ on staff ATCP-certified rigger helped to ensure the rigging and overhead infrastructure work was completed properly and safely for both students and faculty. New fixed battens, updated lighting systems, and replacement curtains helped modernize the spaces while improving day-to-day functionality.

The upgrades also gave both schools more flexibility for performances, assemblies, concerts, and community events. Students now have access to technology and theatrical systems that feel current, reliable, and much easier to use.

More than anything, the project was about supporting arts education and creating spaces that schools can continue using confidently for years to come.