When will the students, faculty, and staff support a recreational facility
that includes cardiovascular equipment?  Every school around us is growing.
UNH's new Recreational Complex, UMASS and the Mullin's Center, and many
others are making moves to attract those individuals looking for an
eductaion and a healthy environment.  What new attractions does the
University of Vermont offer?  Taco Bell?   

Since I have been here almost two years, students, faculty, and staff have
moaned and groaned about not having certain recreational opportunities
available to them on a daily basis. I tried to draw attention and start some
dialogue in a recent Cynic article concerning the congestion in Patrick
Gymnasium.  No one seems to want to speak up, they only want to complain.  I
am more than willing to work with you folks on ideas, but you all need to
show an interest.

During the spring and summer of 1995, a feasibility study was conducted to
determine the cost of a new fieldhouse and a renovation of the existing
track into a Recreational Center.  Granted, the cost was more than expected,
but the issue seems to have died.  

Thoughts have turned to the current facilities.  A proposal has been
presented which would turn the area housing the staging and chairs (i.e.,
the old weight room) into a cardiovascular room.  The major question is
where does the staging go -staging that is used maybe 3 - 4 times a year?

We here at Recreational Sports understand the frustrations that many of  you
have expressed.  You are not alone, yet we are alone in striving for what
would be very beneficially to the UVM Campus.  (Being in the health field,
my opinion may be bias.) 

 I guess I turn to the SGA office to determine what direction the students
desire.  I know we can not have everything, but it would be nice if the
students of this university did not have to pay additional membership fees
to outside health clubs to obtain their healthy lifestyle goals.

If you wish to make a comment, please feel free to do so by either email or
phone (656-4483).

The opinions expressed are those of the authors only!



Harvey Blumenthal
Recreational Sports Director
University of Vermont
219 Patrick Gymnasium
656-4483

Vermont Hockey
1996 ECAC Conference Champions

UMASS Alum
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Purdue Alum
3 straight Big 10 Titles

Boston Red Sox Fan
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