Town, campus gyms work out future plans

When Fred Sahakian graduated from the University in 1989, he decided to start Body Works Health and Fitness Center Inc. in downtown State College to latch on to the rapidly growing student demand for fitness facilities.

"There was not one Stairmaster on campus back then," said Sahakian, owner of the fitness center, located at 127 Sowers St.

In the past nine years, the nature of athletic facilities both on and off campus has changed greatly, and the University's fitness programs are adjusting to keep up, said Tim Curley, athletic director.

"We can't meet all the demand that's been asked of us," Curley said of the current facilities.

The first changes students will see are renovations to White Building, which could start in April, Curley said.

Also planned is a new fitness room at the Intramural Building in addition to the improvements to the White Building's swimming pool, club sports rooms, fitness rooms and gymnastics studio, Curley added.

The University is still considering several options for funding the projects, which might include charging fees for use of the equipment or using funds from the student activity fee, Curley said.

Input from both students and downtown businesses are factors in the renovation and funding plans, Curley said.

Fred McMullen (senior-meteorology), who waited in line yesterday to use the weight room at Rec Hall, said he wouldn't object to fees for better equipment, but he likes having free facilities.

"You really shouldn't have to pay for it if you're going to school here," he said.

Some downtown fitness centers, however, would rather see the University help lower the cost of student memberships at off-campus fitness centers.

"We know we're a big part of the University," said Sahakian, adding that off-campus businesses already offer high-quality fitness facilities to students.

Sahakian said it would be unfair for the University to charge all students for the renovations, because many students who live off campus exercise at downtown facilities.

Angie Walk, co-owner of East Coast Health and Fitness, 236 W. Hamilton Ave., said she and owners of other downtown health centers have been meeting with Curley and other University administrators for several months to discuss the renovation and funding plans.

Walk said the University seems most concerned about keeping its facilities competitive with other Big Ten schools.

"We're trying to work hand-in-hand with the University without jeopardizing our business and without jeopardizing the reputation of the University," she said.

Curley said the University is trying to keep up with what students are interested in, pointing out a recent increase in students playing roller hockey as an example.

"As times change," he said, "we adjust to whatever the current interest is."