An architect's rendering of the new Fitness Center
Fitness Center getting in shape
When the expansion and renovation of the former Saunders Hall of
Chemistry is complete in August, the sounds of bubbling test tubes will
be replaced by the whir of elliptical machines.
A new fitness center, nearly triple the size of the current fitness
room in the Scott Field House, will feature resistance and
weight-lifting machines, equipment for aerobic/cardio training, free
weights and a 3,000 square foot rock-climbing wall. In addition, the
dance studio, currently located on the top floor of Kirkland Residence
Hall, will move to the facility. The building will also house a juice
bar, locker rooms and faculty offices for the Athletics Department.
According to Athletics Director Dave Thompson, the new fitness center
is designed to reach out to a broader campus population. Situated near
the gym, pool, field house and football field, it will be within easy
reach of residence halls and classrooms."Fitness is a growing priority
for students as well as faculty and staff," Thompson said. "We want to
offer everyone an opportunity to develop a healthier, more fit
lifestyle, and this facility will accommodate a volume that the current
space no longer can."
Thompson is also excited about the impact the new center will have on
prospective student-athletes considering Hamilton. "Especially in
Upstate New York, access to high-quality indoor exercise facilities is
a priority. The new fitness center] will give us one of the finest
facilities of its kind in the Northeast and will definitely be a stop
on campus tours. It will be something that prospective students are
going to remember after their visit."
