Rec Center holds grand opening

Though the new rec center has been in use since early January, grand opening ceremonies for the Academic and Student Recreation Center took place on April 1 and 2. The event was celebrated with speeches, concerts and games.

“It is an exciting time to be here, as the university recreates itself,” said Alex Accetta, director of campus rec.

The building, located at SW Sixth Avenue and Montgomery Street, is the seventh LEED certified building on the Portland State campus and was built at a cost of $72.8 million. Though the center has been functioning, there was not a ceremonial opening until last week, according to Accetta, who said that a LEED Gold plaque was unveiled during the opening.

The grand opening gives closure and the ability to move on from a process that took eight years, said Accetta, who believes the contribution of the ASRC to Portland State is significant.

Accetta and the ASRC staff recognize students, the school of social work, the city of Portland, campus recreation, chancellor of the Oregon University System and TriMet as being part of putting on the grand opening.

The building houses outdoor recreation, school of social work, five classrooms, parking and transportation, a bike hub, Portland city archives, the chancellor’s office and assorted retail outlets, according to Accetta.

The grand opening events included a breakfast for cyclists, music and an information fair. There was also a faculty/staff vs. students basketball game and an open house after the opening ceremony on Thursday. On Friday, a celebration was held on the sixth floor at the school of social work featuring a dedication of the John Longres Ph.D. suite and the Donna M. Beegle community classrooms, along with a reception and tours, according to the press release.

Scheduled speakers included Portland State President Wim Wiewel, Commissioner Randy Leonard and City Auditor LaVonne Griffen-Valade.