New Athletic Facilities Take Shape on WSCU Campus
By Aimee Lyn Brown, WSCU Office of Marketing & Media Relations - GUNNISON, CO – Footings are poured and walls erected for the new Recreation Center/Field House on the Western State Colorado University campus.
When complete the 120,000-square-foot structure will house a variety of training facilities and exercise space, including:
· A 200 meter, eight lane track
· Long jump and pole vault areas
· Three multipurpose courts
· WSCU’s High Altitude Performance Lab
· A 54-foot-tall climbing tower
· A 400-square-foot foam pit with in-ground trampoline
· More than 5,000-square-feet of new fitness equipment
Construction on the building began in June 2012, and despite winter temperatures that have remained well below freezing, has progressed steadily and remains on track for completion in 2014, said Julie Feier WSCU’s Associate Vice President for Finance & Administration, adding that value engineering has allowed for the addition of new men’s and women’s locker rooms and a hut tub in the pool area to the original plans.
“The roof is on the building and all the duct work is being completed,” said Feier. “We’re seeing it take shape daily.”
When completed WSCU will apply for a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for the Field House. Total cost of the project is estimated at $29 million.
