LAWRENCE, KS – The completion of a $6.3 million addition to the University of Kansas Student Recreation Fitness Center has been delayed, according to the University Daily Kansan. The addition, which includes four new multipurpose courts, an expansion of the free-weight area and two more racquetball courts, was scheduled for completion this past spring.
Mary Chappell, director of recreation services at the University of Kansas, says heavy rains in recent months and the rising cost of lumber due to Hurricane Katrina and wildfires in the West have caused the delay, pushing the opening to August 2008.
“That’s a very busy time, but it will be great for the students to have something new to start the school year,” Chappell says.
Chappell also told the Kansan that the addition, once completed, will help reduce the wait time for people wanting to use the facility. There are several occasions, Chappell says, when every basketball court is filled, with teams waiting to play.
“We’re excited there will be more space for more people and more activities,” Chappell says.