Wellness Center expansion project still on track for July 2007 completion
As students returned from winter break to find areas in the Memorial
Union completed, they can look forward to the newly expanded Wellness
Center being open when they return next fall.
“The building company Anderson and Son has really been the driving force,” said Brent Parmer, associate director of fitness.
The expansion project will take the Wellness Center from a nearly 38,000 square foot facility to one of more than 110,000 square feet and will offer greater wellness opportunities for the entire NDSU community.
“It is now at the phase where we can order equipment,” Parmer said. “We have been asking students what they would like to see at the Wellness Center.”
State-of-the-art equipment is being sought, and Parmer said NDSU is the very first to purchase some of the models coming out.
One of the most prominent features of the expanded Wellness Center will be the 34-foot climbing pinnacle, with an additional 24-foot bouldering area.
Designed without hand holds, the pinnacle is made to be climbed like a real rock surface. It will be the only pinnacle wall in the region.
“Something like climbing a rock wall would be fun, not exercise,” said Amanda Medcalf, a sophomore at NDSU. “It will really help get me in shape, though.”
The first level of the building will include four racquetball courts, one of which can be converted to a squash court, a multipurpose room for additional group exercise classes and more exercise space for cardio and free weight training.
“The first level will also feature a Pro Shop where NDSU clothing and sports equipment will be sold,” said Parmer.
The second level of the new building will have spinning and martial arts studios.
Basketball courts and a multi-activity court for roller hockey, indoor soccer and other activities will be added to accommodate the intramural programs, which will be moved to the Wellness Center in the fall of 2007.
“There is a lot more space and better opportunties with the new Wellness Center,” said Parmer. “Students, faculty and the community can look forward to coming here for exercise and socialization and beat the cold Fargo winters.”
A second running track, suspended above the basketball courts, will also be added, featuring banked turns and wider lanes.
Additional jobs will also be opening with the growing Wellness Center.
“We will be increasing our student staff,” said Parmer. “Both work study and regular employment positions will be available.
The facilities, and most of the services of the Wellness Center, will remain free to NDSU students, while available to staff and faculty at minimal cost.
Both the history and progress of the expansion project can be viewed on the Wellness Center Web site at www.ndsu.edu/wellness. New photos are posted weekly.