2008 Woodie Awards
Recreation Center Expected in 2006
Rising Student Population Calls for Increase in Recreation Facilities
Lauren Lampe
Issue date: 11/18/04 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
Montclair State University has passed a plan to construct a $17 million, state-of-the-art recreation center, Assistant Director of Campus Recreation Keith Fonseca said.
Student complaints about the lack of adequate fitness equipment and recreation space have now led to an expansion project planned to serve the entire campus, Fonseca said.
Director of Architectural and Engineering Services Douglas Cooper said he hopes to have an approved construction bid by Jan. 1 so that the construction can begin by the end of the spring 2005 semester.
"The project is expected to be completed by August 2006 and its grand opening is intended for September 2006," said Fonseca.
The new facility will be built in lot 21, located just beyond the power lines next to Blanton Hall.
Panzer Gymnasium, the current recreation facility on campus, was built in 1958 to meet the needs of approximately 2000 students. The new recreation center, open to all students [and faculty], will feature 10,000 square feet of fitness space.
"The center will be the best and most modern university recreation center in New Jersey," said Fonseca.
"Studies around the country have shown that recreation is a high priority in student recruitment, retention, and overall academic success," Fonseca said.
"It will create many new jobs for MSU students, save students money from having to get outside gym memberships, and bring notoriety to MSU from all over the country," he said.
The new rec center will house a six-lane swimming pool solely for open swim. There will be two multi-purpose rooms designed for group fitness, martial arts, and other relaxation therapy activities.
"This kind of space will allow MSU Campus Recreation to increase the number of programs and offerings for the MSU community far beyond what we're capable of now," said Fonseca.
Plans for an indoor elevated track, at least two basketball courts, and two racquetball courts, will be included in the center's facilities. One basketball court will come equipped with enclosed "dasher boards" to include floor hockey as a possible intramural sport, Fonseca said. The center will offer a large lounge area, locker rooms, and a healthy choice eatery, said Fonseca.
"The new center will benefit the campus community by providing a better, more updated venue for intramural athletics, fitness, and create a gathering space for students," said Cooper.
Construction of the center will cause minimal traffic problems and will "actually help in the reconfiguration of the exit slope by Blanton Hall, as well as add a new bus stop area," Fonseca said.
"There will also be a new user-friendly, walkway with better lighting for students walking to parking lots 22 and 23," said Fonseca.
MSU students are anticipating the new facility.
"I think building a new [recreation] center is a good idea, but first the University should take care of the safety hazards in the commuter lots," junior history major Chris Sheridan said.
Student complaints about the lack of adequate fitness equipment and recreation space have now led to an expansion project planned to serve the entire campus, Fonseca said.
Director of Architectural and Engineering Services Douglas Cooper said he hopes to have an approved construction bid by Jan. 1 so that the construction can begin by the end of the spring 2005 semester.
"The project is expected to be completed by August 2006 and its grand opening is intended for September 2006," said Fonseca.
The new facility will be built in lot 21, located just beyond the power lines next to Blanton Hall.
Panzer Gymnasium, the current recreation facility on campus, was built in 1958 to meet the needs of approximately 2000 students. The new recreation center, open to all students [and faculty], will feature 10,000 square feet of fitness space.
"The center will be the best and most modern university recreation center in New Jersey," said Fonseca.
"Studies around the country have shown that recreation is a high priority in student recruitment, retention, and overall academic success," Fonseca said.
"It will create many new jobs for MSU students, save students money from having to get outside gym memberships, and bring notoriety to MSU from all over the country," he said.
The new rec center will house a six-lane swimming pool solely for open swim. There will be two multi-purpose rooms designed for group fitness, martial arts, and other relaxation therapy activities.
"This kind of space will allow MSU Campus Recreation to increase the number of programs and offerings for the MSU community far beyond what we're capable of now," said Fonseca.
Plans for an indoor elevated track, at least two basketball courts, and two racquetball courts, will be included in the center's facilities. One basketball court will come equipped with enclosed "dasher boards" to include floor hockey as a possible intramural sport, Fonseca said. The center will offer a large lounge area, locker rooms, and a healthy choice eatery, said Fonseca.
"The new center will benefit the campus community by providing a better, more updated venue for intramural athletics, fitness, and create a gathering space for students," said Cooper.
Construction of the center will cause minimal traffic problems and will "actually help in the reconfiguration of the exit slope by Blanton Hall, as well as add a new bus stop area," Fonseca said.
"There will also be a new user-friendly, walkway with better lighting for students walking to parking lots 22 and 23," said Fonseca.
MSU students are anticipating the new facility.
"I think building a new [recreation] center is a good idea, but first the University should take care of the safety hazards in the commuter lots," junior history major Chris Sheridan said.