N.C. State held a ceremony on the outdoor basketball courts behind Carmichael Gym to break ground for the addition of a recreation center.
The recreation center will consist of three floors, which include an outdoor adventures area, a Port City Java bar and extra fitness and weight rooms, giving students more options for exercise.
“You as students and members asked us for more cardiovascular equipment. You asked for more weight equipment,” said Dawn Sanner, the Director of Carmichael Complex Facilities and Operations.
“You asked for an easier way to check outdoor equipment and you asked for more access to basketball courts and even for a juice bar so you can meet your friends after a workout. We heard your voices and after much work by many of those you see around you, we’re here to break ground on this 43,000-square-foot facility.”
The first floor will feature the outdoor adventures area, which will include boat bays and a new retail location for frequently-needed items. The floor will also include the juice bar and Internet access areas.
The other two floors will add multiple fitness areas to Carmichael, as well as extra weight and cardiovascular rooms to relieve the congestion in the original gym.
“Last night I observed at 6:30 p.m. that there were lines at most every machine in this whole complex,” Chancellor James Oblinger said of Carmichael. “That tells you a little about the need dimension that has been recognized by our current students.”
Chris Woelfel, a sophomore in computer science, said the new addition will be a great benefit to students tired of the overcrowded gym.
“It’s going to help with all the people playing basketball in [Carmichael],” he said. “This creates a lot more basketball space, so more students will have the opportunity to play.”
Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Tom Stafford spoke at the event and took the opportunity to push for additional fitness requirements.
“If I had my way I would have some sort of rule [in which] every single body on this campus would come down here not every week, not every month, but every single day,” Stafford said.
The recreation center will feature a fitness assessment suite, complete with workshops, personal trainers and a massage area.
Former Student Body President Tony Caravano was on hand for the event and spoke to the audience of students and those who helped make the expansion possible.
“I’m proud of the amount of student involvement in this whole process,” Caravano said. “Students led the charge with a real understanding of the needs and with passion. They made a positive and sound demonstration of how to effect change on this campus.”
Both Sanner and Stafford thanked the many people involved in the project, from the contractors and architects to the Campus Recreation officers and students.
Stafford said he is not only pleased to get the facility for the students, but also for himself and other faculty.
“I come down here almost every single day and if I cannot have this building to come to I might do something crazy like canceling the Student Government elections,” Stafford said.
