New Student Recreation Center

BY JASON LAURITZEN

Construction of Appalachian State University’s new student recreation center is in the final
phases. The 116,900-square-foot facility is on schedule to open January 2, 2006. The indoor pool
will open on January 9.

The facility, located on Bodenheimer Drive, across from Walker Hall, will feature an indoor
walking track, a 50-meter indoor pool, a 7,400-square-foot weight room and cardio fitness area,
combination basketball-volleyball courts and 50-foot climbing wall with 11 climbing routes.

There will also be a large gymnasium for indoor soccer, football and lacrosse. Appalachian Food
Services will operate in the building, selling smoothies, juice, sandwiches and salads.

Space was the main concern when construction started on the new student recreation center.
“Intramural space was so limited,” said Greg Lovins from Appalachian State University’s Office
of Design and Construction. Lovins said the new facility has solved the need for more space.

The initial estimate for the new student recreation center was $25.5 million. However, that
estimate has been surpassed and the final cost is expected to be $28 million, said Dr. Clyde
Robbins, Director of the Office of Design and Construction.

The funds used to pay for the building are self-liquidating bonds. The title of the bond may be
misleading to Appalachian students. Dr. Clyde said it should not be inferred as free state money.

“It’s basically a loan,” said Dr. Clyde. The bond needs to be paid off and the school is turning to
student fees to pay off the massive loan.

North Carolina provides money for academic facilities but not athletic facilities, said Joe Carter,
Director of University Recreation. Carter said that the Student Government Association voted
unanimously in 2002 to raise student fees to help pay off the loan for the new student recreation
center.

The recommendation of using student fees to pay off the loan then went to the Chancellor, who
approved the measure and passed it on to the Board of Trustees. The board gave its approval.

Students will spend $142 a year in fees for 23 years to pay off the bonds used to build the new
student recreation center.

Carter said the new student recreation center would offer employment opportunities for students
by providing 165 to 200 jobs.