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New Recreation, Sports, and Fitness Center set for construction
The 63,000-square-foot expansion is expected to be completed in 2010.
Lake Forest College is set to break ground in 2009 on a 63,000-square-foot, $17-million Recreation, Sports, and Fitness Center that will expand upon the existing Sports Center.
“We have good intercollegiate competitive sports spaces. What we don't have is all the recreational space," President Stephen Schutt told the Lake Forester in August. "Students who aren't on teams will have the opportunity to work out, play pick-up volleyball, soccer, and basketball and engage in various recreational pursuits."
The construction will include renovation of existing structures and the addition of the following new spaces:
"Every member of our community needs a place – President Stephen Schutt
to exercise and stay fit."
- three new multipurpose courts – one wooden court, one tartan court, and a synthetic grass field
- suspended recreational track (3 lanes, one-tenth of a mile)
- an aerobic and dance studio
- a lobby café and social gathering space
- batting/golf cage
- 11,500 square feet of strength, cardio, and fitness spaces
- recreational locker rooms for students, faculty, and staff
- ADA-compliant public restrooms
- relocated and expanded athletic training space
- and relocated offices.
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“Every member of our community needs a place to exercise and stay fit,” added President Schutt.
The main recreation and athletic facility last underwent a renovation in the late 1960s. And, the College believes the health and wellness needs of the campus, particularly those of students who are not intercollegiate athletes, are not being sufficiently met.
“We are excited to start construction of this wonderful and much-needed addition to the Sports Center,” says Athletic Director Jackie Slaats. “Providing ample recreation space and increased fitness opportunities for our students, faculty, and staff is an important priority for the College. I am confident that this project will embody our commitment to the health and wellness of our current campus community and also serve as a strong recruiting draw for future generations of Foresters.”
The project was made one of several top projects by Trustees and other college leaders when the College began its 150th Anniversary Capital Campaign last year. A majority of the necessary funds for the new facility have been raised from alumni, trustees, and parents.
To mark the early stages of construction, the College had a toast during Homecoming Weekend, October 3-4. Solomon Cordwell Buenz (SCB), an award-winning architecture, interior design and planning firm with offices in Chicago and San Francisco, has designed the building. Pepper Construction, an 80-year-old company based in Chicago, will oversee the construction of the new facility.
Please continue to check this Web site for construction updates, photos, and more as construction progresses.