UConn hires int'l firm to assess needs for new student recreation facility

The University of Connecticut has hired a planning and design firm to assist in the development of a new student recreation facility.

It is the first step in what UConn officials estimate will be an undoubtedly long process.

Sasaki Associates is an international firm that specializes in developing recreation facilities for colleges and universities. The firm will be working with UConn students and officials to evaluate UConn's specific needs as the school enters the early stages of creating a new recreation facility.

"The firm we hired is not going to be designing," said Alexandria Roe, UConn's director of planning and program development for Architectural and Engineering Services. Roe said Sasaki Associates has been hired by UConn for consultation purposes.

"We need to decide what type of facility this should be," Roe said, who explained that there are many elements that could be added to a new recreation facility, including additional fitness equipment, a new pool, or outdoor practice fields.

Roe said the Division of Student Affairs will also be involved in identifying what students want in a new recreation facility.

"The site decision will be predicated partly on what is included," said UConn spokewoman Karen Grava.

Site location will not be determined until UConn decides whether practice fields will be associated with the building, Roe said.

No cost has been set for the development of a new recreation facility because planning is still in its early stages; however, Grava said the project will be paid for by multiple resources, including user fees and philanthropy.

Both Roe and Grava stressed that the progress of the project will be slow.

Roe said that the biggest obstacle will be developing a project that meets student's expectations in a challenging economic climate.

"This is going to take many years," Roe said. "This is not something we're going to start building anytime soon."

Slow progress in developing a new recreation facility is disheartening news for students who are tired of waiting in lines to use machines at the gym.

"Between 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. it's overcrowded," said Joe Rajan, a 3rd-semester materials engineering major, during a workout at the current student recreation facility.

"I'd like to see more space for free weights, and the treadmills are always packed, so, I'd like to see more of those," Rajan said.

"There are not enough machines," said Amy Krauss, a 3rd-semester nutritional sciences major.

A shortage of workout equipment seemed to be a primary concern for many students during their workout Tuesday evening; however, students had other ideas for changes in a new recreation facility.

"I wouldn't put a pool in the center of the gym," said Kaley Hines, a 6th-semester horticulture major, alluding to the fact that many students are weary to workout in bathing suits, knowing the majority of the gym can see them.

Hines also suggested installing TVs near treadmills and elliptical machines to curb boredom.

"I'd like them to improve the air conditioning," said Ashley Yalof, a 6th-semester communications major, "I know it's not a problem right now, but when the fans stop working in the early fall and late spring semesters, it can be downright miserable."

No immediate funding is available to begin work on this multi-year process, though, UConn officials are interested in students' opinions. The Division of Student Affairs will be holding student focus groups in the future to gather input and advice from students.