22 | MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2008
AROUND CAMPUS
Expanding exercise options for students
Martial arts room, racquetball course virtual golf await students at the rec
BY DEEPA SAMPAT
dsampatkansan.com
The "freshman 15" can be a harsh reality for new students. However, that doesn't have to be a concern if students take advantage of workout options provided by the Student Recreation Fitness Center.
The $6.3 million expansion to the recreation center, which began in May 2007, is slated to be completed by mid-September. New additions include four multipurpose courts, a martial arts room, two racquetball courts and a virtual golf course.
"What's really fun about it is it's all student initiative," said Mary Chappell, director of the recreation center. "Students are here wanting to make the University better."
The expanded portion will open on Oct. 24, which is the Friday of Homecoming weekend. The recreation center will also be formally renamed the David A. Ambler Student Recreation Fitness Center at a naming ceremony the same day. Ambler was former vice chancellor of student affairs. He held the position from 1977 to 2002.
Another addition to the recreation center was provided by the 2008 senior class. The senior class gift, a "KU" inlay, will be placed in the sidewalk in front of the center.
"Overall, people think it's a nice symbol for students to give back to the University," Lori Reesor, associate vice provost for student success and senior class adviser said.
Students pay $74.50 in student fees for the recreation center. Chappell said students should take advantage of the recreation center because they were paying for it.
"Every student has ownership in
Emily Hendricks, Overland Park senior, walks the track as a cool down after her workout at the Student Recreation Center. Hendricks primarily uses the track but wishes there were more weights and cardio equipment available. Hendricks also said that she "would probably just use the expanded track; I do not really play the other sports," in regards to the new expansion at the Student Fitness Recreation Center.
Weston White/KANSAN
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