As of Nov. 22, Daryl’s Fitness Center in the Alfond Sports Center has been completely closed for renovations. The building itself will not have any changes made to it; the renovators are working with the same amount of space as before. However, when the center reopens in January, it will look like a completely transformed, polished extension of the gym.
The renovations start with removing all of the present equipment and putting in new flooring. Once this is completed, the fitness center will receive some new fitness equipment and televisions to better serve its patrons. The team is also incorporating a more efficient floor plan to support the advanced equipment and make better use of the available space.
Matthew Cassidy ‘18, who has been working on this project for over a year, reports that, to the best of his knowledge, no new fitness classes are being created in response to the various developments.
The tentative reopening date is Jan. 16, just before the new semester starts with the first day of classes on Jan. 18. However, the new installments have taken away from some students’ rigorous workout schedules. Many visit the sports center often to stay in shape, especially those who need extra workouts in order to keep and enhance their position on sports teams.
Rebecca Hopkins ’20 is a frequent visitor of the sports center, using the equipment to exercise four times a week. In response to these recent changes, she said, “Well, I love the amenities that the fitness center offers, and I think it’s going to be even better once the new renovations are in place. I wish the gym wasn’t closed so early, but I know it’s going to be worth it in the end.” The few weeks lost for renovation will ultimately be well worth the time and effort. These innovations will be instrumental in the development and teaching of physical education classes required by the college in order for students to graduate. Choosing to begin renovations in the last weeks of one semester and planning to reopen at the beginning of the next was also a smart decision. Though it does interrupt schedules, it coincides with the decrease in focus devoted to exercise that occurs during final exams, which are quickly approaching.
As long as everyone regards the fresh equipment with respect, no other renovations are expected in the near future. The current changes will be of great use in keeping Rollins students healthy and moving for a long while.
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