Recreation project under way

Work on the new West Complex/Student Recreation Center is officially under way, following a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, Oct. 29.

The ceremony featured comments from President Welty, Associated Students President Molly Fagundes, University Student Union board chair Koua Cha, Vice President Paul Oliaro and donor Bill Lyles.

The $17.6 million building project is a recreational and multipurpose facility designed primarily by students and intended largely for their use. In addition to the recreational areas, the building includes two academic components, the Leon and Pete Peters Educational Center and the Lyles Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

The two-story, 92,000-square-foot building will have its entrance facing Woodrow Avenue .

The building is being financed by a $49 per semester fee referendum passed by the student body in November 2000. The referendum stipulated that the fee increase would not start until opening of the facility. The project is scheduled for completion in December 2005, with the official opening in January 2006.

After the West Complex/Student Recreation Center is constructed, its operations will be managed through the California State University , Fresno Association with oversight by the university's Division of Student Affairs.

Read more about the project in the October issue of University Journal.