The decision to upgrade the Ford Center (“Ford expansion approved,” Jan. 10) is a positive sign on several fronts. The improvements are headlined by the addition of showering facilities, which were notably lacking in the brand new Arrillaga Recreational Center built last year. It remains unclear why the showers were not included in the construction of Arrillaga in the first place, but providing them in the nearby Ford Center is an important adjustment.

Some students have expressed opinions that the expansion is unnecessary because most undergraduates are able to quickly bike or walk to nearby dorms after using the gym, and the money could have been better employed. However, many graduate students, faculty and staff often do not share the same convenience as undergraduates. Since recreational facilities, including Arrillaga, are designed for use by all members of the Stanford community, the expansion will help increase the usability of the centers for those who may not want to make multiple trips on and off campus. It may seem inconvenient that people working out in Arrillaga’s gymnasiums or weight-room will have to walk across the courtyard to the Ford Center to change or shower, but the walk is brief and the additional exercise should not be a major concern to those interested in fitness.

The expansion also offers improved office space for coaches of the gymnastics and sailing teams. Though neither has the highest media profile, our streak of Director’s Cup victories is largely thanks to “smaller” sports, and both sailing and gymnastics are especially deserving this year. Emery Wager won the men’s national championship in sailing this fall, and the eighth ranked women’s gymnastics team upset number five UCLA on Monday while the men have been ranked as high as two in preseason polls.

Naturally, it is impossible to completely satisfy everyone. Coaches will always want better conditions for their teams, and the Stanford population will continue to ask for more out of the recreational facilities. However, projects like the upcoming expansion of Ford, and the new rock climbing wall in Arrillaga show a comforting measure of responsiveness by the Athletic Department. In light of other major improvements like the new football stadium, it is nice to see sensitivity to the needs of all Stanford athletes, including those who are not on teams.

We can only hope that the willingness to adapt and improve will continue to extend into other areas like housing and libraries.