When most people think of the University Student Recreational Complex, they picture dumbbells, elliptical machines and yoga mats. But UREC officials are hoping to add something else to that list: dirt. The UREC will offer a gardening class for students interested in alternate ways of excercising. Tamara Jarrett, UREC director, said the class will allow students to burn calories and “find peace” at the same time. “Just being up and moving burns calories,” Jarrett said. “And college students have so much on their plate, so this is more about stress management. Sometimes you just need to find a peaceful place.” Michael Giles, UREC associate director of Operations and Project Management, said the initial cost of the project is $45,000. That price tag includes the substructure for the three gardens, an irrigation system, a walking path, seating and the dirt and vegetation. The UREC capital outlay fund, which is supported by student fees and UREC self-generated revenue, paid for the project. “Every year, we budget what to include in the outlay fund,” Giles said. “This project was included under the plant fund, which is a fund used for landscaping.” Clare Fitzmorris, history senior, said the project is a good use of UREC funds, as long as enough students show interest in the class. Jarrett said the UREC’s landscaping needs improving, and this class is a way for students to benefit as well. Jarrett said the “seed of the idea” came from the need to utilize outdoor space at the UREC. “Considering some of our challenges with indoor space – we’re trying to maximize our outdoor facilities,” Jarrett said. Jarrett said each class will decide what to plant, but plots have been set up for flowers, vegetables and a commemorative rose garden. “The UREC was built over a rose garden, so we want to honor the past by planting another one,” Jarrett said. Participants in the class will have the option to take home what they grow, but Jarrett said the vegetables could be donated to charity. “We’ve been in touch with people who can make that happen for us,” Jarrett said. “Whatever we grow, we want to put to good use.” Katy Miller, biology senior, said she is glad the UREC is offering non-traditional exercise classes. “Not everybody wants to go and do the same thing at the Rec,” Miller said. “They’re trying to reach a broader range of people, which is good.” Jarrett said this sentiment was part of the reason for creating the class. “Recreation is more than just sports, and every day, more and more people are turning to interacting with nature to achieve healthy lifestyles,” Jarrett said. “It’s not just about being skinny; it’s about feeling good and making healthy choices.” David Abarca, biochemistry junior, said he would not be interested in taking the class and felt many male students would feel the same. “Guys would probably think gardening is boring,” Abarca said. Giles said male participation could actually be high. “Some males might find gardening boring,” Giles said. “However, there could be a nice-sized group of male students who are looking for this service.” The UREC plans to offer more non-traditional classes and is looking to incorporate music into students’ workouts, according to Jarrett. “We’re very interested in wellness through music concerts that would be more about stress management,” Jarrett said. “We like to keep students on their toes.”
—-Contact Katie Kennedy at [email protected]