OUR VIEW: HPER Field should be preserved

When the university grows academically, the need for physical expansion grows along with it. Space for this growth has been at the heart of debates for parking lots and is currently an issue in the proposal of a new building for Center for Persons with Disabilities to be located on the HPER Field.

Everyday this space surrounding the HPER building is being used by physical education classes, intramural sports teams and club and university teams like rugby and lacrosse.

Giving up valuable space for scheduling intramural sports will not only force the program to find alternative playing fields, but may force it to cut back on the number of sports offered.

Intramural sports provide an excellent avenue to become involved in the university. Part of a well-rounded education is learning social lessons as well as intellectual ones.

As far as intellectual lessons go, the HPER Field also serves as a hands-on lab for physical education students. This experience is an important part of preparing students for professional life.

Also, the field adds to Utah State University’s open space – one of the nicest parts of the campus. A college campus should provide an aesthetic quality for students, faculty and all those who are a part of the university. The HPER Field and the Quad shouldn’t be taken for granted. Studying on the grass between classes or participating in a game of Frisbee would be lost without designated areas for it.

These places provide a place to socialize, exercise and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Cutting out such a vital part of campus life would be an irreplaceable loss.