Aug. 27, 2009
So long (for now), State Gym
by Erin Rosacker
Say goodbye to State Gym, which will close next month for a major, two-year facelift. The remodeling overhaul is part of the $52.8 million recreation facilities expansion and renovation project, which also includes a 92,278 gross-square-foot addition on the west side of State Gym.
The initial phase of the project got under way in June, when work began on installation of air conditioning and ventilation improvements at the Lied Center. That portion of the project is expected to wrap up by October. Areas of Beyer Hall also are being remodeled, but both facilities will remain open during renovations.
Rec relocation
The closure of State Gym sent several offices to temporary locations for the duration of the project, which is scheduled to wrap up in August 2011. The recreation services administrative offices are housed in a mobile trailer in parking lot 59F, between Helser and Martin halls. The intramurals program is operating out of 112 Beyer and the outdoor recreation program is slated to move to 112 Beyer in early September.
The State Gym pool closed earlier this month, and locker rooms were shuttered Aug. 13. The gym floor and running track still are open, but will close if demolition and abatement work become too disruptive before the Sept. 22, when contractors are scheduled to take complete control of State Gym.
Dean of students Dione Somerville and interim rec services director Scott White will give an update on the renovation and expansion project at the Sept. 3 P&S Council open forum (noon-1 p.m., Gallery, MU).
Programming changes
Interim rec services director Scott White said group fitness aqua activities will move to the Forker Building pool, which should reopen by September. The Swim America program and some Ames Park and Recreation classes that were held at State Gym also will shift to Forker. Deep water fitness and lap swim activities remain at the Beyer pool.
Parking
West-side parking also will be impacted by renovation and construction work. Lot 1, located on the west side of State Gym, will close until the new addition is completed in 2011. Lots 3 (north of Thielen Student Center and Beyer Hall), 59B (east of State Gym) and 59E (east of Friley Hall) now only are available for reserved parking permit holders. Lot 59F (between Helser and Martin halls) is available for general parking permit use. More information on the west-side parking adjustments and suggested alternative locations are included in a related story.
Keeping in touch
Phone numbers and the mailing address (2220 State Gym) for rec services administrative staff will not change despite the temporary relocation of the offices. News and updates are available on the rec services web site, or call 4-4980.
