Students will no longer have an excuse for showing up to class in a post-workout sweat, thanks to plans for expanding the Ford Center with lockers and showers for those using nearby the Arrillaga Recreational Center. The 8,700 square foot expansion, approved by the Board of Trustees in December, will also provide more space for the gymnastics team and four new racquetball courts.

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Haley Kingsland

The Ford Center is soon to undergo renovation.

The decision to expand was partly influenced by complaints about the lack of facilities at Arrillaga.

“I don’t like to use the word ‘complaints;’ I prefer ‘concerns,’” said Eric Stein, associate athletic director for physical education, recreation and wellness. “But there was a concern to want to provide recreational lockers and showers for people using the recreational center.”

Stein also said that concerns about the locker and shower facilities came more from faculty and staff rather than students, but he did not have any exact numbers.

“We don’t really have any estimates on how many people have complained,” he said.

The recreational showers and lockers will be built in the space formerly occupied by the gymnastics team, which will be rewarded with 4,200 square feet of new showers, offices, lockers and storage space. Additionally, in a move celebrated by the gymnastics department, the coaches will finally be under the same roof as the team after their offices move from Burnham Pavilion to the Ford Center.

“It’s positive for all sports,” said Men’s Gymnastic Coach Thomas Glielmi. “For [the gymnastics team] it provides much needed office space and a more functional locker room.” The sailing team will also benefit from the expansion, since it will be given the space vacated by the gymnastics coaches.

“Sailing is very happy with the move to Burnham,” said Jay Kehoe, head coach of the sailing team. “We were in Roble, and the new location for our offices is great.”

The expansion is expected to begin in mid-May or June and to be completed by September. Despite the project’s hefty $5.7 million price tag, Deputy Athletic Director Ray Purpur said the project is already “fully funded.”

“It is being funded by University reserves and donors,” he explained in an email to The Daily.

With final approval for the expansion expected in February and construction to begin a few months after that, the project seems to be generating much excitement among the administration. However, some students said they are less enthusiastic about the changes.

“It doesn’t really affect me one way or another, but it seems like there are already a lot of workout facilities and that amount of money could’ve been better used somewhere else,” said sophomore Meghan McCurdy.

“I’m skeptical,” agreed senior Matt Caselli. “Would we have to pay for the lockers? And as for the showers, I don’t think I would use [them]. It’s easier to just shower back at home, where I have all my toiletries anyway.”

Caselli had another suggestion for the money.

“I think they should use the money for hot tubs.”