Fieldhouse tight on open space
Nelson Fieldhouse patrons have been affected by significant changes since renovations were finished in mid-September.
Most students have reacted positively to shorter wait times and new equipment, but issues about crowded space remains a concern for others.
A common complaint of Fieldhouse users is the issue of space, especially surrounding the free weights and squash court.
John Visser, a graduate student in computer science and patron of the Fieldhouse, said, “If it doesn’t get used very much, I think that they should take it out to make more room for the free weights.”
Scott Wamsley, assistant director of recreation at Utah State University, said there are two reasons why the space is still somewhat limited.
“We kept the squash court basically because President [Kermit L.] Hall told us to leave it when we did the first renovation.
As a university we try to accomodate for students with all sorts of interests, whether it be squash, raquetball, lifting weights, etc.,” he said. “The other reason that space is limited is because funds are limited. At a future point, if we get some more money, maybe we could extend it out another 15-20 feet, but with the money that we had allocated to us, that’s all we could do.
“Of course, we could use more room, but as of now, we’ve come light years from where we were before.”
Regarding issues of space, Alex Hogge, a Fieldhouse manager, said, “It is kind of hard to navigate over by the free weights, but I believe that [management] is working on rearranging everything so it will be easier for everyone to use,” he said. “The [squash] court isn’t my favorite thing, and I don’t think that many people use it, but it’s there for those who do, I guess.”
Hogge said there has not been a significant increase in Fieldhouse attendance.
“The numbers are about the same – maybe a little more, but I like it better up here now. Patrons don’t have to wait to get to a machine. It’s not as crowded, but we expect to see attendance climb significantly with winter coming. It still gets crowded during the evening, but it’s definitely better than it used to be.”
Sterling Campbell, a junior in marketing and a regular Fieldhouse patron, said it does get crowded.
“There are obviously a lot more machines, but I liked it before how it wasn’t as crowded up here with machines. If there are a lot of people here, this place just seems like it’s real small,” he said.
“It is good that the free weights are here instead of downstairs.”
Campbell said it’s nice to only have to swipe student I.D. cards only once at the main entrance instead of at each floor and in the weightroom.
“I like that they go some new machines,” he said. “They’re nice.”
Wamsley said changes include more equipment and space.
“We were able to buy about $160,000 worth of equipment, including 15 more treadmills, about a dozen new ellipticals, some spinning bikes, some Hammer Strength plate-loading equipment and free weights,” he said.
“Now the campus has about 60-something cardio machines, when not too long ago we had only three.
The second floor was extended about 22 extra feet, Wamsley said, and the weight room was moved upstairs.
Wamsley said new accommodations were put in for the disabled as well.
“We were able to put in an elevator for those that are handicapped so they can use the facilities as well,” he said. “We have a few machines that are accessible to those that are in wheelchairs so that they can workout lifting weights and cardio,” Wamsley said.
“I just hope that the students use the Fieldhouse and that they take good care of the equipment,” he said.
-dmullen@cc.usu.edu