Who: Members of the University of Colorado Board of Regents, leaders of the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, and representatives of local construction and architectural firms.
What: UCCS will begin construction on the UCCS Recreation and Wellness Center. The $16.3 million project will add 47,605 square feet to the existing Recreation Center, which will include additional space for weight training and cardio vascular exercise, two more basketball courts, two more fitness studios, new locker rooms, and bike and skateboard racks.
About 11,600-square-feet of the expansion will be dedicated to a new Student Wellness Center that will house the Student Health Center and Counseling Center. Facilities will include therapy and exam rooms, emergency ambulance access, provider offices and a teaching kitchen.
The project is expected to be completed by late 2015.
When: 11 a.m., Sept. 5, 2014
Where: The Recreation Center is located on the western edge of the UCCS campus, 1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway, near the intersection of Austin Bluffs Parkway and Stanton Road. Please see http://www.uccs.edu/map for details.
Why: The creation of a campus Recreation and Wellness Center will provide support for student physical health, mental health, fitness, and nutrition needs in an integrated model.
The Rec Center Referendum to pay for the expansion was voted on and approved in spring 2012, establishing an $80 per-semester fee. The Student Wellness Center will be funded through a student approved $35 per-semester fee, effective fall semester 2014.
How: About 15 university and student leaders and general contractor representatives are expected to dig a few inches into Lot 434, (formerly Lot 8) on the north side of the current Recreation Center, marking the start of the year long project. CU Regent Kyle Hybl and Chancellor Pam Shockley-Zalabak will lead the shovel brigade. Tamara Moore, executive director, Auxiliary Services, will serve as the event emcee.
Photographers and reporters are welcome to attend the event. Please contact Tom Hutton, (719) 255-3439, or Philip Denman, (719) 255-3732, for assistance with parking or directions.