Jan. 13, 2011

User fees will change when new rec facility opens

by Erin Rosacker

The newly remodeled State Gym and its 92,278 square-foot addition are on schedule to open next fall. Student recreation fees increased gradually over the last two years to fund the $52.8 million project and will be fully implemented when the summer term begins May 16. Full-time students enrolled year-round will pay $403 annually, and nonstudent users will be charged the same rates to use recreation facilities and programs.

Questions?

Contact recreation services at 4-4980, or recservices@iastate.edu.

"Since students are bearing the cost of the facilities upgrades, it is important that all other users share the cost as well," said Michael Giles, director of recreation services.

Eligible nonstudent users include student spouses, faculty, staff, retirees, alumni, affiliates (such as ISU Foundation and alumni association employees) and their spouses. Ames residents who do not fall into those groups are not eligible, and family rates are not available.

Rates

Yearly and term user rates include:

  • Annual (Aug. 16, 2011-Aug. 15, 2012), $403
  • Academic year (Aug. 16, 2011-May 15, 2012), $322
  • Summer (May 16-Aug. 15, 2011), $81
  • Fall (Aug. 16-Dec. 31, 2011), $161
  • Spring (Jan. 1-May 15, 2012), $161

Like the Lied Recreation Center, the newly renovated State Gym complex and Beyer Hall no longer will be available for general use. The facilities will have a staffed entrance and user passes will be required. User fees will provide access to all recreation services facilities -- Lied, Beyer and the State Gym complex. Most services and programs, such as fitness classes, also are included. Locker rentals, personal training and outdoor recreation programs are additional charges.

"With two major facilities on each side of campus, our users will have expanded opportunities to meet their recreational needs," Giles said.

He said all facilities will have the same operating hours. During the fall and spring semesters, that works out to 117 hours per week. Summer and holiday hours will vary.

West side features

The weight and cardio equipment installed at the State Gym complex will more than double the recreation services inventory, with some of it located on the new skywalk spanning Union Drive. The west-side complex also will feature:

  • A recreational pool
  • Two indoor jogging tracks
  • Five basketball courts
  • A climbing wall
  • A dedicated fitness suite (for specialty programs, such as Pilates, yoga and personal training)
  • Two multipurpose studios
  • A "Froots" smoothie bar

Fitness classes and other programming will be available on both sides of campus. Recreation services administrative staff offices and the Outdoor Recreation Program will operate from State Gym.