New Rec Center opens for preview

Students and faculty were allowed the first glimpse into the newest building on ISU's campus Monday.

The Recreation Center is a facility requested by students, designed by students and paid for by students, said John Lentz director of recreational sports at ISU.

The bright colors and large, well-illuminated rooms are a far cry from the arena constructed in 1962 and remodeled in 1986.

"The open spaces and natural lighting will be really great for working out and relaxing," said Colin Hammar, a junior music major.

The new Rec Center encompasses 109,450 square feet, making it one of the largest non-academic facilities on campus.

Amenities included within the structure include a three-court gymnasium, multi-purpose court for indoor soccer and field hockey and a large aquatic center with a lap pool and hot-tub. In addition to these facilities the Rec Center has space for exercise classes, martial arts and cycling.

The building also contains space to be utilized for a future rock climbing wall, sauna and steam room.

"At the time of construction the focus was on keeping costs down, so some items were slated for future installment," said Michael Scott Jr., a junior political science major and president of SGA.

New spaces aren't the only improvement over the arena. The Rec Center will also be the home to new services such as a juice bar, which will provide students with healthy snacks.

It's not just students who are getting excited about the facility, which is set for a June ribbon cutting, according to a press release from Recreational Sports.

"I was glad to see the open house take place as an opportunity for students to see this facility they've been paying for," said Al Perone, associate dean of students. "Allowing students in enables them to get excited about [the facility]."

While the open house provided a nice glimpse of what's to come, the facility is clearly not ready for occupancy and use, leaving many to ask: When exactly will we be able to use the Rec Center?

When posed with the question of a definitive opening date, the office of John Lentz provided no response.