Looking Back: White River State Park

The first SkyDeck™ panel went up June 15, 2020 at White River State Park in Indianapolis. The new permanent stage was part of a three-phase construction project that began back in 2018. Phase two, started and finished in 2020, focused on a permanent stage for the park, a concrete pad with 3,000 permanent seats, 40 additional restrooms (for a total of 100 permanent restrooms on site), as well as amenities for those who will perform on the new stage. Phase three, completed the venue with the addition of its striking wedge-shaped canopy over the main stage and reserved seating. Beyond serving as an architectural focal point, the canopy enhances concert acoustics while providing protection from the elements.

The 52 panel SkyDeck™ tension wire grid covers the entire performance area upstage of the proscenium arch and extends downstage past the proscenium, covering a small apron. The portion of the grid located downstage of the proscenium does not have handrails, so it features a lifeline system by Tractel™ located around the edge of the grid, preventing those working on that portion of the grid from falling off.

It’s a fact that SkyDeck™ was developed to eliminate the risk of falling for those working at height. And while it’s true that you cannot fall through a SkyDeck™, you can certainly fall off of one if you don’t have proper safety measures in place. Workplace falls are historically one of the most serious threats to the health and safety of entertainment industry and construction staff.

To support safe access while preserving unobstructed sightlines, the venue incorporates a Tractel™ lifeline system using travsafe™, travsmart™, and travspring™ products. The system is supported by custom 12-inch and 18-inch stainless-steel anchors manufactured by IA Stage and positioned along the perimeter of the front-of-house extension in a U-shaped configuration facing the proscenium. Picture little bridge pilings bolted to the facility steel with the lifeline attached to the top of each piling, but strung between them like power lines. (I apologize for mixing metaphors – describing it this way made the most sense to me!)

Combined with the SkyDeck™ tension wire grid, the fall protection system provides production crews with a safe working environment while accommodating the frequent rigging and production changeovers expected at a busy outdoor performance venue.

Years after completion, White River State Park continues to showcase how thoughtful venue design, integrated safety solutions, and innovative rigging infrastructure can come together to create a performance space built to serve artists, crews, and audiences alike.

For more information about their upcoming events, please visit their website here.