Recreation areas planned for students
By: Sara Irvin
Issue date: 9/11/09 Section: News
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Originally planned to take place Sept. 20, the implosion of the 10-story high rise has been delayed until mid to late October as a result of unforeseen issues in removing asbestos in certain areas of the building.
According to President Dr. Joseph C. Rallo, the reason for the addition of new recreation areas is to better accommodate students not originally from the area.
"More and more students are coming from farther and farther away," Rallo said. "One of my goals is to transition this institution to a truly residential campus."
Rallo hopes these areas will provide more activities for students and meet their needs outside the classroom.
"We've already closed that little piece of Dena," Rallo said, referring to a section of Dena Drive between Varsity Drive and Van Buren Street. "That'll be chopped up and we're going to create basketball courts and volleyball courts and a green space… to meet students' needs, demands and desires to be here on the weekend and evenings."
The Pavilion, Rallo said, will also be moved "to make it a bit more aesthetically pleasing."
John Russell, director of Facilities, Planning and Construction, said he hopes for construction to begin in October.
"Our goal is to create space that can be used for recreation, both organized and unorganized, including areas of gathering and contemplating and a jogging path," Russell said. "We want an outdoor environment where [students] can relax, play, jog, read and just visit."
The outdoor jogging path appealed to sophomore Cala Norris.
"I would use it," Norris said. "I run on the treadmill at the CHP (Center for Human Performance) right now."
Senior James O'Neal thought students would appreciate the addition of an outdoor pool.
"You know, since we already have an indoor one at the CHP," he said.
According to Rallo, the university is also considering use of ASU land between Foster Field and Knickerbocker Road.
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