Western Courier

Issue date: 8/17/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Craig Finlay Thanks to student fees, the often-packed Rec Center will receive well deserved extension.

Media Credit: Craig Finlay

The Donald S. Spencer Student Recreation Center, like many of its visitors, is currently focused on getting big. The fuel that drives it, however, is more than your, average banana yogurt protein shake - it is $6.2 million in student fees.

Since its construction in 1997, SRC student, faculty and staff usage has risen to a peak of 2,500 persons per day and an average of 1,500 persons per day. With its benefits to the students clearly appreciated, the decision was made to fund a major expansion project.

"I think Western should be proud that the students have determined the Rec Center expansion should be funded from their fees," said Scott Coker, mechanical engineer for facilities planning and construction. "With the heavy use the existing building gets, this expansion will be a welcome addition to the campus."

The process of the 21,000-square-foot addition began on June 22 and is expected to take approximately two years. The expansion will create two new arena courts on the south end that will house basketball, volleyball and indoor soccer. Those courts will stretch the third floor indoor track, nearly doubling it in length. Additionally, the expansion will increase the size of the weight room by engulfing Court No. 1 and adding a "quarter circle" area south of the existing wall.

Additional cardio space will also be added on the present south end of the track, turning it into a Cardio Bridge. The current weight room will also be renovated into another fitness area. New equipment will not be immediately brought in, as the budget only covers expansion costs.

"We've only asked for the money that we essentially needed. Next year we'll get about twice what we normally get," said Milly MacDonell, SRC Director.

In the meantime, spacing out the current equipment directly addresses the SRC's crowding issues.

"It won't look as crowded as usual," MacDonell said. "The crowding intimidates people. They don't want to come when it's crowded."

The expansion project should provide only minor inconveniences to regular SRC use. Coker noted the contractor has worked hard this summer to get some key work done before the students came back. Also, more disruptive work has been scheduled for breaks when there aren't as many students on campus.

"The contractors, the Rec Center administration and myself have worked very diligently to minimize the disruptions to the users of the facility," Coker said.

The additions are greatly welcomed by a student body that cares greatly about their own bodies.

"I think the Rec expansion is going to be a great addition," said senior construction management major Chris Littlefield. "It is definitely a necessary expansion. It will be nice not getting to the Rec and realizing I should have gone to Wetzel instead."

MacDonell encourages students to take advantage of the opportunities presented to them.

"It's essentially a health club membership handed to you. It's a great time in young people's lives to start living healthy lifestyles," she said.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools