In order to respond to undergraduate student requests for more recreation opportunities, The University of Findlay is planning to convert the ice arena, located in the Koehler Fitness and Recreation Complex, to a student recreation center.

The new recreation center is expected to be operational by August 2010; the ice rink will continue in operation until March 31, 2010.

The new student recreation center will include two basketball courts, a rock climbing wall, student lounges, a varsity/student weight room and a juice bar on the first floor and two new racquetball courts on the second floor, off the cardio center. The addition of space for these activities will help to keep the University competitive with other colleges and universities.

To view a color diagram of the planned recreation center, click here.

“Our focus has always been to best utilize the space and resources we have to serve our students,” said David Emsweller, vice president for student services. “When our surveys showed how few of our students were using the ice rink, and that many of them were interested in additional recreational options that could be provided by the conversion of this existing space, it became clear how we needed to proceed. Serving the needs of students must always remain our primary emphasis.”

The change is in response to student requests for more student recreation opportunities, as identified by an undergraduate student survey conducted by the Office of Recreational Services. The survey found that more than 75 percent of undergraduate students never use the ice rink, which is utilized by community groups.

University administrators have met with city officials and have contacted representatives of the major groups that will be affected; their schedules for the coming academic year will not be impacted by the plan, which will be implemented contingent on any necessary changes in the University budget.

Questions regarding the new recreation center may be directed to Bryan Golding, director of recreational services, at 419-434-4842 or goldingb@findlay.edu.