Indiana State University Newsroom

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. - The dream of a facility devoted to student recreation will come to life as Indiana State University dedicates the Student Recreation Center during ceremonies beginning at 1 p.m. Friday, July 10.

"This building is a tribute to ISU students," said Thomas Ramey, vice president for student affairs. "It means a great deal to them, and it is evidence of their creative thinking, energy and willingness to partner with the University. Student involvement and effective student leadership are what brought this concept to fruition."

The 109,420 square foot building, designed by Hastings+Chivetta Architects of St. Louis, houses a three-court gymnasium, an aquatics facility, fitness center, elevated jogging/running track, healthy snack bar, multi-purpose activity rooms, an outdoor adventures equipment center, a multi-activity court, locker facilities, and offices.

"It is a large facility, sized appropriately for an institution like Indiana State," Ramey said. "It's all about encouraging our students to develop healthy lifestyles for life."

The Center, which will officially open for business July 13, offers expanded intramural sports, space for open/unscheduled play, fitness and exercise training, lifestyle/wellness education, aquatic activities, and a social space.

"This facility was requested by, designed for and paid for by students. It's their facility," John Lentz, director of recreational sports, said.

Students, who were able to get a sneak peek of the building in April, will now be able to take a casual swim or participate in water aerobics and water sports in the 112,067 gallon pool, relax in the 22-person, 5,550-gallon spa, participate in cycling classes atop 30 top-of-the-line LeMond Revmasters or engage in outdoor pursuits on the sundeck.

"Students can have fun and socialize while engaged in healthy activities," Lentz added.

The Center, located east of Lincoln Quad and accessible from Tippecanoe Street, will enable Indiana State in promoting healthy collegiate lifestyles, encouraging a life-long commitment to fitness, introducing new recreational formats and enhancing the sense of community on campus.

The MAC court will allow the introduction of two new activities - indoor soccer and floor hockey.

"We will add floor hockey to our intramural sports program," Lentz said.

According to Lentz, a facility dedicated to student recreation has its advantages.

"Students can recreate anytime," he said. "We are now able to schedule activities throughout the day instead of just in the evening hours."

The Center is a dream come true for students who have been involved in the project since day one.

Former Student Government Association presidents Megan McManana, Hobart Scales and A.J. Patton along with current SGA president Michael Scott and three former student trustees, Doug Huntsinger, Jessica Robertson and Grant Scharton championed the project from the planning stages to reality.

"Megan (McManama) and Doug (Huntsinger) were the founders of this project. I remember sitting in Doug's office and seeing this idea come to life," Scales recalled at the facility's groundbreaking.

In April 2005, the Student Government Association conducted a campus-wide referendum that demonstrated by a two to one margin students' willingness to pay a mandatory fee to support the construction of a facility dedicated to student recreational use.

"It was the efforts of these students, building coalitions and support, which not only made this building possible, but established a model which will serve generations of students well into the future," said Indiana State President Daniel J. Bradley.

Scott is excited about the facility and the students' role in its success.

"I'm really excited that SGA has played a role in making this facility a reality and we look forward to playing an active role throughout its existence," he said.

"I sincerely believe that the Rec Center will become the new hub for students on campus," Scott added. "Not only will it provide recreational activities, but it will also offer an opportunity for students to interact with friends and make new ones."

A student committee, appointed by the Student Government Association, is charged with establishing operating policies and making program recommendations for the Center. The committee is advised by Lentz and Ramey. The committee began its work in fall 2008 and will continue as a standing committee of SGA.

The cost of the Student Recreation Center is $21.7 million, funded through student fees and private gifts.

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Contacts: Tara Singer, assistant vice president of Communications & Marketing, (812) 237-8764
John Lentz, director of Recreational Sports, (812) 237-4100

Writer: Paula Meyer, ISU Communications & Marketing, (812) 237-3783 or pmeyer4@isugw.indstate.edu