West Virginia Universitys new Student Recreation Center opened Tuesday (July 17) after inspectors from the state fire marshals office determined the facility was safe for occupancy.
The fire marshal inspectors examined the 170,000-square-foot building Monday (July 16) for fire and safety issues.
“It really is an exciting time for us here on campus,”said Scott Kelley, vice president of administration and finance.”There is no other venue like this in the state and very few on the East Coast or across the country.
“Students as well as our faculty and staff will have access to venues ranging from basketball and volleyball courts to two swimming pools, running/walking tracks and weight-lifting and fitness equipment,”he added.”The focal point of the center is a magnificent climbing wall that stretches from the ground floor up through the center of the building50 feet at its peak.”
The $34 million center sits on a 12-acre site within easy walking distance of the Evansdale Residential Complex (Towers), the PRT station, Creative Arts, Engineering and other Evansdale Campus buildings.
A student recreation fee approved by students in April 1997 will pay for the facility; the fee amounts to $90 for a regular semester and a maximum $45 for a summer semester. The building was originally scheduled to open July 2the beginning of Summer School IIand students enrolled this semester began paying the fee. Those students will have half of that amount credited to their fall tuition and fees account or receive a refund by calling 293-4006.
For information on facility hours, faculty-staff memberships and payment options, call 293-4372, ext. 16427. The new phone number, 293-PLAY, is now in service.
The Student Recreation Center is one of several buildings included in the first phase of WVU s master plan, a 10-year, $250 million campus renewal program. Other projects include a $43 million Life Sciences Building, a $36 million consolidated library complex and a $26 million office complex, owned by the WVU Foundation, on Morgantowns waterfront.
In addition, WVU workers are undertaking the bulk of a $975,000 renovation project at Blaney House, home to the Universitys president and family. The cornerstone of the project is an 8,000-square-foot addition that will house two dining rooms, a guest suite, handicapped accessible restrooms, a catering and gallery kitchen, garage, basement and attic. It is set for completion in March 2002.