After a series of postponements, the Student Government Association hosted the Wellness Facilities Forum on Thursday to discuss Radford University’s exercise facilities and the future wellness fitness center. The forum originated after students took exception to the newly renovated Dedmon Center’s fitness facilities being no longer open to all students.

The forum coincided with the Budget Open Forum, which may have hampered turnout only about 20 students attentded. The panel included Norleen Pomerantz, vice president of student affairs; Robert Lineburg, athletics director; the committee, and RU’s head coaches in the athletic program.

“We are willing to answer every question that is being asked,” RU spokesperson Michael Hemphill said.

A committee of staff and students were brought together to plan and discuss the wellness and fitness center that Radford University anticipates to build and open by 2011. Pomerantz provided background information about campus fitness facilities. There was a time in which there were only “two places where students could exercise,” Pomerantz said. These two places were in Madison Hall and at the Dedmon Center. Peters Hall did not have a fitness center for students.

“We did not have an adequate exercise facility,” Pomerantz said.

Peters Hall closed then reopened with a fitness center several years ago, which resulted in taking the machines out of Madison. Dedmon Center was closed from spring 2008 until early this year, undergoing renovation to replace the roof and installing air conditioning.

When Dedmon reopened, university officials decided to reserve the building for the athletes to improve the athletics program. One exception is the swimming pool that has a few times reserved for non-athletes.

“This is space to enhance the performances of student athletes,” Lineburg said. “The facilities are so critical.”

The goal, Lineburg said, is to “put coaches and athletes into a position to succeed.” Since Radford University has received national exposure when the Highlander basketball team headed into the NCAA Tournament, Lineburg said it is a start to make the athletic department better and it begins with its facilities.

“We are cognizant of student’ needs,” Lineburg added.

Student who attended the forum were concerned about the Peters and Muse Hall fitness facilities and how crowded they are, resulting in waiting for workout equipment. There were suggestions in extending Peters’ gym hours. Pomerantz looked into Muse, and according to the tallies that the committee has, the gym is not used as much and only has a handful of people. But some students said they had tried the Muse facility experienced the same thing that they did at Peters—that it was just as crowded.

“If we get to a point that Muse is crowded then we can look to see a possibility for a third location,” Pomerantz.

The committee is going to explore other university facilities such as Old Dominion, William & Mary, and Longwood, collecting information and taking it into consideration. After the committee’s research is reviewed, a request for architectural and engineering proposals will be issued.

This wellness and fitness facility will be “more than adequate for our existing student population,” Pomerantz said.

There will be a report sent to President Penelope Kyle by May that will consist of what is going to be in the wellness and fitness center.

“We want to hear from students the things that they need for the new facility,” Pomerantz said.

Students from the committee are issuing surveys around campus asking them what they would want in the new fitness facility. But some students at the meeting did not know that such surveys existed. They suggested that the committee use more promotion to get the students attention.

Brian Seay is an intern for the New River Voice.