A black tarp and construction around the Rec Center are signs of ongoing attempts to improve Rec Center facilities using ideas presented by students.
The black tarp covering the area next to the tennis courts marks the future spot of two sand volleyball courts.
Michael Giles, interim director of Rec Sports, said the courts should be ready this spring.
“We’re hoping to have it completed before the end of the semester,” Giles said. Construction on the courts has been delayed by rainy weather.
Giles said the courts will be available for drop-in use by students. Planned programs also will be held on the courts.
Giles said the courts will have restrictions on hours, but the Rec will try to be as accommodating as possible to students who wish to use them. There still are “procedural issues” that need to be worked out, he said.
The sand volleyball courts are part of a response to surveys given to students two years ago.
“We’re following up as best we can,” Giles said.
Money for the improvements came from the Rec fees that is included in students’ memberships. He said the court was “not overly expensive” and that the demand for these courts justifies the cost.
Anthony Corbett, a political science and history senior, is president of LSU’s volleyball club.
He said that the new courts will give the team an opportunity to participate in outdoor volleyball tournaments as well as indoor.
“I do think that it’s a positive thing,” Corbett said. “It will give us the opportunity to experiment with different fields.”
Corbett said that the volleyball club will probably not be the only group to benefit.
“It’s going to be a good thing for all students,” he said. “It opens [options] up a little bit.”
The Rec Center has other future plans in store for its renovations.
In fall 2004, a rock-climbing wall will be installed in one of the racquetball courts. Giles said he anticipates students and groups alike will sign up to use the wall.
“We see all kinds of positive uses for that,” he said.
The Rec Center is planning even more extensive renovations and expansions. Giles said student opinion in the improvements is important.
There will be an open forum March 18 at 5:30 p.m. where students can share their ideas for improvements.
“It’s going to be for students to meet with architects for expansion and renovation of this facility,” Giles said. “It will give any student that shows up an opportunity to ask questions.”