By Sara Sylvester ’09

First there was talk. A survey followed. A vote was taken. And now, more than four years later, the Student Recreation Center has opened its doors.

The survey gauged student interest. They were asked what activities the center should include and how often they would use the facility. The survey and subsequent vote showed just how serious students were in wanting a new facility. So much so, they approved a substantial hike in the student activity fee to fund it.

It’s official—the ribbon-cutting ceremony makes it so! President Ruud and student government leaders make the cut.

The location behind Heiges is a natural complement to the existing facilities. “My favorite part about it is that it faces the football field,” said Stephanie Turnbull, a junior. “I feel like that whole section of campus is sports-oriented; it creates a sense of unity because everyone else is basically doing the same thing around you.”

Joe Peltzer, Student Association president, sees nothing but positives: modern facilities, up-to-date equipment and more of it, and especially the elimination of wait time for each machine.

“I view the rec center as a way to not only make new friends but to enjoy different methods of fitness,” Daniel Woodruff said. Adding, he thinks “it makes the campus community more inclined to work out now.”

One of the most striking features of the building is the second floor fitness center. There a seemingly endless row of cardio machines face a bank of windows with a breathtaking panoramic view of the stadium and North Mountain. Each evening the setting sun is framed by these windows.

The cardio/strength area of the center has views to the same window bank and the addition of mirrors to aid in doing exercises correctly.

Just how much students will use the facility is yet to be determined, but enthusiasm is running high. The first day tally showed 1,283 people stopped by. On the third day of operation, 1,427 students used the facility. Peak usage appears to be in the late afternoon, 3:30-6 pm and after dinner, 7:30-9:30 pm.

Melinda Showers Lewis, a sophomore, said, “I hope it makes the campus community more inclined to work out now that we have a better facility and since we’re not forced to use an outdated complex.”

“I’m looking forward to seeing how much use we get out of it,” freshman Scott Switaj commented. “Hopefully the student body gets its money’s worth.”

The suspended track overlooking the four-court arena makes for another impressive view.

Dan thinks students will add the rec center into their daily routines.

“The recreation center has been a project of the Student Association and Student Senate,” said Joe. “Students voiced their wants for a recreation building and with the offerings of other universities and the activeness of students today, the building will become the cornerstone of student life and activity.”

With all this talk of the new, what is happening to the old?

Heiges will remain the domain of the athletic teams. Students who want to swim will use the field house pool. And since spectator seating was not a priority for the new center, post-season intramural play in basketball and volleyball with be in Heiges.

Access to the rec facility is through the east entrance facing the Performing Arts Center. Students swipe their ID cards and proceed through turnstiles into the building.

“We’re getting a lot more than a fitness center,” Galen Piper, director of intramurals and recreation, noted. “Prior to this there was no place for intramurals to go.” He pointed out Heiges Field House and Henderson Gymnasium were often required for intercollegiate sports teams usage.

Sara Sylvester ’09, an English major, is the spring semester intern for SU Magazine.

---

The landscaping is obviously missing, but that didn’t stop students from making use of the new Student Recreation Center on their return from spring break.

So what’s so special about this 64,000 square foot building? Check it out.

Main arena

• 25,000 square feet
• four basketball courts also used for tennis, indoor soccer, and volleyball
• a three-lane, 200 meter suspended track overlooks arena

Fitness center

• 8,000 square feet
• 35 cardio machines, each with its own television
• weight circuit machines
• free weights
• strength area
• stretching area
• windows look out over Seth Grove Stadium
• Fitness studio
• 1,800 square feet
• wood floor
• can be partitioned into two spaces
• for martial arts, dance, aerobics, and spinning

Other features

• controlled access
• two regulation racquetball courts (800 square feet each, pictured below)
• back wall constructed of glass
• locker rooms for men and women
• wireless access
• vending area