Editor's note: This article has been corrected. See below
When students come back from winter break, they will be greeted with an almost completed Wildcat Recreation Center, which will open May 2009.
The center, located on the corner of First and Orange streets next to the parking structure, has been in the works since the mid-'90s, said James Newman, vice president of facilities and services for Associated Students.
"I think that students are extremely excited, ready to use it and can't wait," Newman said.
Costing about $65 million, the center will offer some great resources for students and staff, Newman said.
"There are many features inside that will help define it," he said. "It has climbing walls, a zero-clearance pool deck, an indoor running track and state-of-the-art equipment with personal flat-screen TVs."
Some of the other features in the center will include solar heating for the pool, waterless urinals in the men's room and a hand scanner to identify students, he said.
"The gym will have a biometrics hand scan system that will measure the student's hand, so the students will not have to worry about bringing their IDs with them," Newman said.
Going along with the university's growing sustainability approach, the construction project was green-friendly throughout, he said.
Junior Patrick Mayo works out at Chico Sports Club because it currently offers better equipment and facilities than the campus, he said
"I am definitely going to check it out when it opens next semester," Mayo said. "If it has good workout areas, I would be down to going to a free gym."
The center, which is certified by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, features low-flow shower heads in the locker rooms and office chairs made from recycled material, Newman said.
The new center's workout facility will be reserved for students and staff, but varsity athletics will not be allowed to use the center for team workouts, said Jamie Brown, head softball coach. Teams will continue utilizing Acker Gym's weight room.
However, students will have to pay for the center through added fees in their tuition starting fall semester 2009, Newman said. The center will be open from 6 a.m. to midnight every day.
Ben Burg can be reached at bburg@theorion.com
The article incorrectly stated that the Wildcat Recreation Center will be open in January. The center is slated to open May 2009, said James Newman, vice president of facilities and services. The Orion's reporters strive for accuracy. We recognize that mistakes will occur, but we treat every error very seriously. If you feel a correction needs to be made, e-mail the managing editor at managingeditor@theorion.com
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