Spring Break
CSU breaks ground on Recreation Center improvements, additions
Scott Callahan
Issue date: 5/7/09 Section: News
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The groundbreaking ceremony for the additions to the Recreation Center was the symbolic start of construction on the facility, which began in earnest last month.
"This is only going to enhance what we already have," Blanche Hughes, the vice president for student affairs, said in her speech at the ceremony. "So we know what students really like: exercise, a little pampering and food."
The Rec. Center averages 4,000 users daily, and that number has steadily increased since students in the 2002-2003 school year conceived of the renovation idea. From that point the school started surveying student interests, planning and budgeting for the improvements, Judy Muenchow, the executive director for campus recreation, said.
Because of the early planning and budgeting, she said the current economic issues were not much of a factor.
The construction will add 60,000 square feet to the already 105,000 square-foot building. The project is estimated to cost $32.2 million dollars and is funded entirely by student fees.
Right now students are paying $25 per student, per semester of mandatory fees to fund the project, and the fees will increase to $35 in 2010, so students who will use the improvements are paying more.
The most requested additions to the Rec. Center are a multi-activity court, indoor rock climbing tower and bouldering wall, and increased space for the cardio-weight area, Muenchow said. The new additions will also include a food bar as well as expanded and improved spa areas.
The new facility is being constructed in line with the CSU's "green" theme. In her speech, Hughes said the Rec. Center will actually reduce the campus' carbon footprint, and will feature new lighting and plumbing; it will also reuse 75 percent of existing walls, floors and roof material.
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