Indiana State University
A new $21.7 million student recreation center was dedicated July 10 at Indiana State University (ISU) in Terre Haute, IN. The 109,420-square-foot building includes an aquatics facility, a fitness center with a cycling room, as well as multipurpose activity rooms for aerobics and martial arts, cardio equipment with iPod docks, an elevated running track, a three-court gym, a snack/juice bar, a lounge area, outdoor adventure equipment, locker rooms and administrative offices. The aquatics facility houses a 112,067-gallon swimming pool with three lap swimming lanes, an area for water volleyball and sports, a leisure pool and a 22-person spa with Jacuzzi jets. The rec center was funded through student fees and private gifts. It was designed by Hastings+Chivetta Architects of St. Louis, MO.
University of Kansas
The University of Kansas (KU) is the latest school to harness green, user-generated energy by retrofitting ellipticals in its fitness center. University officials say they hope the sustainable fitness equipment will engage students who otherwise might not visit the school's fitness center. “We do believe that more intrigue and curiosity will be generated [by the ellipticals], but we're hoping that it will engage those who do not come to the center to come for a look and start a healthy lifestyle using all that we offer in the way of programs, services and facilities,” says Mary Chappell, director of KU Recreation Services. Some 15 ellipticals will be retrofitted with ReRev devices at the university's David A. Ambler Student Recreation Fitness Center. A KU student suggested the idea for the retrofits before taking his proposal to the Student Environmental Board of the Student Senate. The board is funding the $15,000 project in its entirety.
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