Breaking ground on the new Recreation Center

The Recreation Center will be undergoing some serious renovations over the next year, even if signs of the massive project are hard to see now.

Donald Tencher, director of Athletics, Intramurals and Recreation, described the process the design team has been working through. "We have the same frustrations as the students," Tencher explained why the work has not officially begun. "We've hit every mark every step of the way, but the plans have to go to the state authorities to assure our compliance with codes."

The electricians and fire marshals make sure each part of the plan is safe and up to code.

The goal for the ground breaking for construction was Aug. 1, meaning the team is about one month behind. Once the plans are approved by the state, the job will go out to bid to construction companies.

"The goal is still to break ground in October, with student involvement," Tencher said.

The center will be completed next September, barring any unforeseen obstacles. Money for the project has come from various sources, mainly student fees and community memberships. The Recreation Fee was $50 for 20 years. Last year, it was raised to $90 to support this endeavor. The college charges faculty, staff and community members who want to use the facility. Also, once the center is completed, revenue from outside events, such as shows and workshops, will help to make up some of the money spent on the building.

Last year, RIC hired an architect for the Rec. Center. The design team had open meetings, and some students attended to share their opinions.

"The dance studio was originally going to be open with glass windows," Tencher explained. "But one of the girls at the meetings said she didn't want anyone gawking at her while she was doing yoga. So now the windows are frosted glass, and outsiders can't see in the room."

The process started two years ago. "There is known information out there about what the trend in recreation centers is at the moment," Tencher said. "What architect had the most experience with college field houses? We hired one of the best in New England."

One current national trend is plastic lockers. The strong, thick material cleans well and will never rust like metal; these will be a focus in the new design.

The new Rec. Center will also strive to be the anchor on the East Campus, as the Murray Center is on the West Campus. The center will no longer be the "dead" building many students feel it is now. Tencher has often described the current building as resembling "an old shoe factory."

Students will now enter on the top level of the facility. This top level will have treadmills with televisions and elliptical machines, and the level below will be the weight room. Glass will go from bottom floor to the roof, providing a more attractive face to the building. More parking will also be available for visitors.

One of the biggest concerns during the planning of the new center was to make it female- and male-friendly.

"The weight room had become a guy's room," Tencher admitted, "but we've made every effort to soften the paint colors and add more machines women will use."

There will also be significantly more space and options for student activities. "We plan to have more concerts on Friday nights to bring in revenue," Tencher said. "We're putting a concert entrance off the field house, and we'll do that this fall."  

The idea of on-campus concerts has been a hot-button issue on campus the last several years. Several student-led plans to have concerts have failed or suffered from having to be scaled down due to the lack of a suitable location. The Rec. Center's current configuration lacks adequate lighting, security and fire-safety provisions to hold large events like concerts under ideal conditions.

The center's hours will remain the same, but if students want more time, they will be flexible. "Through trial and error, we'll figure out what works, and we'll find the money to do it," Tencher said.

"When the Recreation Center renovation is underway, we'll be open as it's being renovated," according to President Nancy Carriuolo.

Vice President of Student Affairs Gary Penfield said, "It's an exciting project, but there'll be some disruptions through it, so your understanding and patience is needed."

The pool has already been improved, and the new concert and event entrance will be put in this fall, while the locker rooms will be refurbished. Over Winter Break, the front of the building will be closed and demolished. The event entrance will be used during the rest of the renovations.

The weight machines will be moved to the field house during reconstruction, and the field house is scheduled to be finished next summer. If all goes according to plan, RIC will have its new and improved Recreation Center fully operational by the fall of 2011.