Workin' on the fitness: ARCC renovations
Caitlyn Ahern
Issue date: 2/3/10 Section: News
University President, Thomas H. Powell, has been at the Mount for almost seven years, and when asked how long the idea of ARCC renovations has been discussed, he says, "seven years."
"The cardio and weight rooms are too small to fully satisfy the needs of the Mount community. We need larger rooms and more equipment so everyone can get the exercise they desire," comments sophomore Terry Whaley.
Powell has given the green light to start the design of the conversion of some racquet ball courts into a student fitness center. The process is in the very beginning of the designing phase, but Powell is aiming for an August 2010 completion date to get the ball rolling.
Another addition to the Mount's fitness space will be outdoor trails in honor of Mount student Elizabeth DiNunzio, who was tragically struck and killed last April while jogging off-campus. The trails are slated to begin construction this summer, and the current design eventually features 4-5 miles of fitness trails.
"Right now our locker rooms are an embarrassment. I know of grammar schools that have better locker rooms," noted Powell on the eventual need for revamped, bigger locker rooms for the Mount's Division I teams, along with a new roof for the ARCC.
While these renovations are sorely needed, they will not be inexpensive. "We're confident we can raise the money with help from our generous alumnae," said Powell.
Along with help from Mount alum, current Mount students may have the opportunity to help as well. The Student Government Association recently approved an initial proposal recommending an increase in student fees going towards ARCC renovations. But the proposed increase has not yet been approved by the university Board of Trustees. The Board had previously approved the student activities fee being raised from $600 to $630 in the fiscal year of 2010-2011, but the new proposal raises it to $700. The increase will certainly help, but will not cover the majority of the cost for renovations.
Vice President for Business and Finance, Mike Malewicki, states, "We'll use other funds to help in construction and renovation. So the $100 of the Comprehensive fee will be used next fiscal year for some construction, but I suspect mostly for operations, and the processing and leasing of equipment."
Powell is proud of the students for taking initiative. "It was very mature of SGA to recognize that if we are going to build for students that students need to take responsibility. I'm very proud of our students to show the leadership that's characteristic of the Mount. When we're finished with student fitness center, it will be dedicated to the students and its first priority will always be students."
"The cardio and weight rooms are too small to fully satisfy the needs of the Mount community. We need larger rooms and more equipment so everyone can get the exercise they desire," comments sophomore Terry Whaley.
Powell has given the green light to start the design of the conversion of some racquet ball courts into a student fitness center. The process is in the very beginning of the designing phase, but Powell is aiming for an August 2010 completion date to get the ball rolling.
Another addition to the Mount's fitness space will be outdoor trails in honor of Mount student Elizabeth DiNunzio, who was tragically struck and killed last April while jogging off-campus. The trails are slated to begin construction this summer, and the current design eventually features 4-5 miles of fitness trails.
"Right now our locker rooms are an embarrassment. I know of grammar schools that have better locker rooms," noted Powell on the eventual need for revamped, bigger locker rooms for the Mount's Division I teams, along with a new roof for the ARCC.
While these renovations are sorely needed, they will not be inexpensive. "We're confident we can raise the money with help from our generous alumnae," said Powell.
Along with help from Mount alum, current Mount students may have the opportunity to help as well. The Student Government Association recently approved an initial proposal recommending an increase in student fees going towards ARCC renovations. But the proposed increase has not yet been approved by the university Board of Trustees. The Board had previously approved the student activities fee being raised from $600 to $630 in the fiscal year of 2010-2011, but the new proposal raises it to $700. The increase will certainly help, but will not cover the majority of the cost for renovations.
Vice President for Business and Finance, Mike Malewicki, states, "We'll use other funds to help in construction and renovation. So the $100 of the Comprehensive fee will be used next fiscal year for some construction, but I suspect mostly for operations, and the processing and leasing of equipment."
Powell is proud of the students for taking initiative. "It was very mature of SGA to recognize that if we are going to build for students that students need to take responsibility. I'm very proud of our students to show the leadership that's characteristic of the Mount. When we're finished with student fitness center, it will be dedicated to the students and its first priority will always be students."
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Emily Rogers
posted 2/04/10 @ 7:35 PM EST
I find it very disappointing that there is a plan to convert some of the racquetball courts into a fitness center. I understand that the ARCC needs more space for cardio and weight rooms, but there are ONLY 3 racquetball courts and 1 wally ball court. (Continued…)
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