Photo by Bob Elbert.
The start of the spring semester also will mark the much-anticipated opening of the renovated and expanded State Gym recreation facility. Recreation Services is planning an open house at the complex on Sunday, Jan. 8, for those interested in taking a look around prior to Monday's 6 a.m. grand opening. The open house runs from noon to 3 p.m. Recreation services staff will be on hand to answer questions and visitors are welcome to tour (but not use) the facility.
Among the new features available in State Gym and its 94,000-square-foot addition are approximately 125 pieces of new weight training and cardio equipment, a recreational pool, two jogging tracks, five basketball courts, a 40-foot climbing wall and Froots, a smoothie bar operated by ISU Dining. A fitness and wellness suite, two multipurpose studios and office space for recreation services staff also are located in the complex.
"We are very excited to have State Gym finally open and for the new recreational opportunities available for the students and the ISU community as a whole," said Michael Giles, director of recreation services.
Free trial
Recreation Services is offering eligible non-student users a free trial of the facility through Jan. 22. Non-student users include faculty, staff, retirees, affiliates and alumni association members. Their spouses and spouses of students also are eligible. ISU recreation facilities are not available for public use.
During the trial period, non-student users must present a valid ISUCard or alumni association membership card with photo identification for admission. Retirees who don't have an ISUCard may present photo identification to verify eligibility. Spouses must accompany eligible student and non-student users and present a photo ID.
Non-student users will need rec passes for State Gym, Beyer Hall and Lied beginning Jan. 23. User fees are $90 for the spring semester and $136 for an annual (2012 spring and summer) pass. Daily, weekly and monthly passes also are available. More information, including facility hours, is available on the recreation services website.
