Students swarmed the basement of the newly renovated Student Recreation and Wellness Center on Wednesday, grabbing the food and freebies the facility offered as part of its dedication ceremony.
Students, faculty and community members gathered to see the ribbon cutting for the renovated building and to hear remarks from Ball State officials.
President Jo Ann Gora welcomed everyone to the facility.
"I think the turf field is going to be popular, because it's 20,000 feet of indoor soccer and [it has] different types of activities that will cater for intramural sports," she said.
Student Government Association President Matt Whitlock followed, recounting how students filled out surveys in 2004 about what they would like to see in a new recreation facility. He said student opinions were heard and made a reality in the design of the new Recreation Center.
Senior Kayla Moody said she was happy about the new equipment at the Recreation Center.
"I love how the cardio room is more open, and the new machines are really nice," she said. "The old building had a kind of dungeon feel to it."
Immediately following the ceremony, everyone was welcome to view demonstrations by fitness instructors and clubs sports. Attendees were able to take a tour, check out the food stations featuring healthy dining options and enjoy a complimentary massage.
The outdoor pursuits crew was camping out in front of the building, passing out T-shirts and showing off the gear it offers for rental.
Kristen Spencer, a student who works at the facility, said she liked the different options the building had to offer.
"I like the new building space. It's wide open and there is a lot for people to do," she said.
Greg Graham, interim director of Facilities Planning, said he hopes students get the opportunity to use the facility as much as posiible.
"I think it is certainatly something students should be proud of to have," he said.
Check out our media partner, WCRD 91.3 FM, for an interview with President Jo Ann Gora: http://wcrd.iweb.bsu.edu/news
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