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Endless Possibilites
New center will address need for additional recreation, fitness space

The continued growth in our varsity, club, and intramural programs, combined with today’s emphasis on health and fitness, has left our campus with insufficient space. For years, students have often had to wait for programming or other students to finish before they can use the facilities. Alumni, do you remember when you needed to work off Aramark’s latest “cookie dough buffet” but all of the elliptical machines were being used… or having to don ear muffs, long spandex, and gloves to run outside?  Imagine if you were able to head over to the Sports Center on South Campus and not have to wait for an open court to play pickup, squat rack to lift, or be able to run on an indoor track.

This will all be possible with the new Recreation, Sports, and Fitness addition. Want to play basketball? There will be a wooden court for that. Want to play soccer? There is a grass court for that. Tennis anyone? There’s a tartan court for that, too. The possibilities seem endless, especially with the dance/aerobic studio and the nearly 11,000 square feet of weights and cardio space to help keep you stay in shape all year round. Intramural and Club Sports will also have extra places to practice and enjoy time with their teammates, and the only wait those students may have to endure will be the one at the café as they enjoy a coffee drink or fruit smoothie with fellow Foresters. 

Athletic Training Improvements
New center will address the College’s athletic training needs

With the expansion of the existing Sports Center, head athletic trainer Mike Gilboe will have a new home. The new Athletic Training room will more than double in size once the renovation is completed. “What excites me the most is the fact that I will be able to work with more state-of-the-art equipment in a larger, more functional setting,” said Gilboe. Mike is currently in his 9th year at the College and couldn’t be more excited about this renovation project. “Also, having more space means accommodating more athletes. It will make rehabilitation for injuries easier and the athletes won’t be discouraged about making a trip to the training room for fear there’s not enough space/time to be looked at or, worse yet, having to navigate down the stairs!” he states.

Another positive that Gilboe notes is that with the new training area, it might entice more students to get involved in the athletic training field as a work study employee. “Whenever a new facility is built, there’s a certain excitement about it. We’ve had many kids interested in the general area of athletic training but haven’t had the physical space to accommodate their help – until now,” said Gilboe. Having more students involved in athletic-training will allow Gilboe more one on one time with the athletes. “We have 17 Varsity sports, along with a strong Club sports program, here at the College and that comes out to serving well over 500 athletes a year. When you’re working within a limited space, there’s only so much that can be done. Having better equipment and a larger area to accommodate more athletes means happier students – and happier coaches!”

Strong Body, Strong Mind
New center will address needs of all students

We are extremely excited about the long-awaited Sports Center project finally being put into motion. The completion of this facility will mark a new era at Lake Forest College, one that can unite students, faculty, and staff along with members of the community in building a healthier environment. With the addition of more space and better, state-of-the-art facilities, this will attract fresh faces to begin their journeys towards stronger bodies and stronger minds.

Newness breeds excitement and by having such a facility available to everyone, the overall morale surrounding Lake Forest College will be through the roof. We will be able to provide much-needed recreational opportunities for all, especially during the winter months, with the elevated jogging track and the three multi-purpose courts with wood, tartan, and synthetic grass surfaces to accommodate all types of activities. And if sports still is not your cup of tea, you can go buy one – tea, that is, at the new juice, coffee, and snack café that will reign as the social area, enticing all who enter the Sports Center thirsty after a unified workout.