Students could have access to Rec Hall expansions and a new on-campus fitness center as soon as next fall, university officials said yesterday.

Penn State President Graham Spanier said at Tuesday's University Faculty Senate meeting that there is a "tremendous" demand for existing on-campus fitness centers.

"Penn State students are very interested in their health and are concerned about being fit. Students often have to wait in long lines at the White Building Fitness Center," Spanier said.

Office of Physical Plant Spokesman Paul Ruskin said detailed plans would not be released until the proposal is approved in November by the Penn State Board of Trustees.

"Although the plan is preliminary, we have decided the wrestling wing [of Rec Hall] is in need of major renovation," Ruskin said.

Plans for Rec Hall include renovating 24,000-square feet of existing space, mostly on the first floor and south end of the building, creating a wrestling team complex, according to a press release.

Additionally, 16,000-square feet of space would be constructed to build a public recreation and fitness area off the west side of the building's south end.

The renovated fitness center will have a modern look similar to the Information Sciences and Technology (IST) Building, Ruskin said.

Chip Harrison, head strength and conditioning coach, said a timeline for the plan would be developed after funding is approved in November.

He added that the demand for fitness facilities is much larger than what Penn State currently has, and the new facility would meet the students' demands.

The Board of Trustees approved the appointment of an architect to design the addition last January. In a January news release, Associate Athletic Director Herb Schmidt said officials are looking forward to the project.

"An effort and emphasis has been placed on making the view from Atherton Street to the building exciting ..." Schmidt said. "We are looking to open the west end of campus to Atherton and make it inviting instead of showing the backs of buildings."

Ruskin said that between the building's modern look and a newly added green space, the campus would be greatly improved.

"People driving on Atherton Street will soon get a much better view," he said. "Driving under the IST building and then seeing the new fitness wing will improve this campus aesthetically."

Penn State spokesman Tysen Kendig said Spanier's information yesterday was a "foreshadow" to the plans that will be proposed in November. He would not release any further information.

Vice President for University Relations Steve MacCarthy said he did not have any new information about the project.