Fitness center gets a make-over
The Coors Fitness Center is scheduled to be remodeled this summer at an estimated cost of $250,000.
The front entrance of the fitness center, will be relocated to the southwest corner of the Ritchie Center. Inside the gym will see renovations such as moving the desk to the front of the new entrance and opening up the rest of the space for exercise equipment.
A grab-and-go snack facility will be set up by the entrance, serving coffee and healthy snacks such as smoothies.
It is uncertain at the moment whether or not students can use meal plan cash at the new snack facility.
Next to the snack facility will be an apparel shop, moved down from Magness Arena.
Stuart Halsall, assistant vice chancellor for Recreation, Athletic Events and Ritchie Center Operations, has worked for the Ritchie Center since it opened in 1999 and has had the idea of expanding ever since exercise equipment took over the front area of the gym, which was supposed to be a cafeteria.
"Our initial thought now is to have more structure," said Halsall. "We are very tight on space already, so we need to maximize."
The apparel shop's old location, next to Magness Arena, will hold additional services after the renovations to utilize a year-round programming space.
With this change to the apparel shop, some of the fitness center's programs and classes, such as yoga, will have extra space to hold classes.
The extra space can be used as a childrens' club for children to also take advantage of the amenities offered at the fitness center.
During games at Magness Arena, said Halsall, parents can bring their children to the club, where they can take part in activities like the climbing wall.
The Coors Fitness Center will stay open during the summer, although there may be less exercise equipment near the renovations.
Jacqueline Roman
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