2010 comes bearing gifts: A new rec center!

At noon on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, the new Portland State recreation center will be open for business.

According to the Campus Recreation Web site, the initial proposal for a new recreation center was first made in 1987, making this building a long-awaited, much-needed resource for Portland State students.   

“We want students to use this amazing resource in which they have invested,” said Alex Accetta, director of Campus Rec. “We would also like to let students know that we are asking for their patience as we engage in this new enterprise.”

The new rec center will be available to any Portland State student taking one credit or more during the winter term. Students must possess a PSU OneCard with a photo on it to get into the new rec center. If a student has a OneCard without a photo, they can stop by ID Services in the lobby of Neuberger Hall to get their picture taken and be issued a new ID card.

Perks of the student membership include: free access to the climbing wall (though certification is required), free GroupX classes, affordable personal training, intramural sports programs, outdoor program trips and equipment rentals.

Reserved lockers and towels will be available for a monthly fee. Day-use lockers will be free, provided students bring their own locks. Reserved locker rentals will be available at 7 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 4, on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information about Campus Recreation programs and the new rec center, visit www.campusrec.pdx.edu.
“This building is certainly something in which we think [the students] will be proud,” Accetta said. “It demonstrates our commitment to living healthy lives which ultimately helps students be successful academically. We are here to support that mission.”

Rec center opening events:

Sunday, Jan. 3, noon: The rec center will open for the first time.

Monday, Jan. 4: Sustainability Tours and a ReRev Challenge—ReRev is a system on the ellipticals that generates electricity back to the building.

Tuesday, Jan. 5: Multicultural Recreation—Hula lessons from the Pacific Islander Club, multiple other clubs tabling and opportunities to learn about recreation like badminton, table tennis, tango, cricket, and more.

Thursday, Jan. 7: Accessibility—A demonstration of wheelchair sports and a chance to participate as well. There may also be goalball, a sport for the visually impaired.

Friday, Jan. 8: A student vs. faculty/staff basketball game sponsored by ASPSU.

The ceremonial grand opening is Monday, Feb. 22, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.