Optimist
  • News
  • Sports
  • Opinion
    • Columns
    • Editorials
    • Letters to the Editor
  • Features
    • Book Review
  • Multimedia
    • Photo Galleries
    • Videos
  • Podcasts
    • Optimist Overtime
    • Top of the Key
  • Police Log
  • Print Edition
  • Projects
  • About
    • Advertise
    • Policies
    • Staff Contacts
    • Jobs
You are here: Home / News / ACU considers renovations to Gibson

ACU considers renovations to Gibson

December 7, 2007 by Denton Josey

By Denton Josey, Features Editor

Gibson gymnasium could undergo renovations as soon as 2008.

As a part of the 21st Century vision, Gibson would transform into the Student Recreation and Fitness Center (SRFC), pending sufficient funding.

A committee of students, faculty, staff and administrators is working with Tipton and Associates on the center’s conceptual architectural design. Additionally, the committee consulted student focus groups, residence assistants and the Students’ Association to gain feedback on the project.

Dr. Nikki Rippee, chair of the project, said the committee formed in May. In addition to the student feedback, the committee researched fitness centers at other universities around the country.

“It’s going to be a facility where students can improve their health and wellness, so it improves quality of life for our students, faculty and staff,” Rippee said.

The construction plan includes renovating existing parts of Gibson and adding several thousand square feet. The total footage would range from 85,000 to 100,000 square feet upon
the project’s completion. Once construction begins, the estimated completion time is 18 months.

Several options are under consideration for inclusion in the SRFC. The potential options include improved weight rooms, additional basketball courts, racquetball courts, multipurpose areas for indoor intramurals and open gym times, a community lounge with TV space, new locker rooms, a smoothie bar, an aerobics room and a pool with an outside area for sand volleyball and outdoor basketball.

The fitness center would create a variety of jobs for students. Rippee said the Department of Exercise Science and Health would eventually like to see students from the department available to the student body as personal trainers and nutritionists.

The project still needs funding and approval from the Board of Trustees, but if the necessary components fall into place, the work would begin during the 2008-2009 academic year.

Dr. Jean-Noel Thompson, vice president and dean for student life, said in an e-mail that the people involved in the project’s planning are excited about the project and feel that it will enhance the quality of student life on campus.

“We’re hoping it draws students into the center of campus and become a gathering place for students to meet each other,” Rippee said. “I just hope that the students are excited about the possibilities and see this as a very positive thing for them.”

Filed Under: News

Other News:

  • Gallery: Spring commencement honors 2021-22 graduates

  • New IM Fields location confirmed

  • At $250 million, Higher Ground aims to make impacts across campus

About Denton Josey

You are here: Home / News / ACU considers renovations to Gibson

Other News:

  • Gallery: Spring commencement honors 2021-22 graduates

  • New IM Fields location confirmed

  • At $250 million, Higher Ground aims to make impacts across campus

Follow us online

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Optimist on Twitter

acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist ·
4 May

"Maybe we just don’t care enough. But if we do start caring, and if we become the loudest fans in the WAC, let’s stick to supportive cheering." Read more from Guest Columnist Londyn Gray:
https://acuoptimist.com/2022/04/not-so-friendly-competition/

Reply on Twitter 1521918832738144257 Retweet on Twitter 1521918832738144257 1 Like on Twitter 1521918832738144257 8 Twitter 1521918832738144257
acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist ·
3 May

Royce Clough and Jael Morel have been named as Mr. and Miss ACU for the class of 2022, a traditional honor voted on by the student body and awarded to two members of each graduating class.

Reply on Twitter 1521607087553458178 Retweet on Twitter 1521607087553458178 Like on Twitter 1521607087553458178 18 Twitter 1521607087553458178

Optimist on Facebook

The Optimist

3 months ago

The Optimist
"Maybe we just don’t care enough. But if we do start caring, and if we become the loudest fans in the WAC, let’s stick to supportive cheering." Read more from Guest Columnist Londyn Gray: ... See MoreSee Less

Not-so-friendly competition - Optimist

acuoptimist.com

BY: LONDYN GRAY “Number 18, you look like you don’t shower!” I chuckled and shrugged it off. “Londyn!” They had looked up the roster. “Do you even brush your teeth?” I laughed again, rol...
View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

The Optimist

3 months ago

The Optimist
Cullen Auditorium is expected to be handed over to the university in June 2022, alongside a name change that coupled with the renovation will create new future for the Cornerstone class, Chapel and the Department of Theatre. ... See MoreSee Less

Cullen Auditorium still set for a name change alongside renovations - Optimist

acuoptimist.com

Cullen Auditorium is expected to be handed over to the university in June 2022, alongside a name change that coupled with the renovation will create new future for the Cornerstone class, Chapel and th...
View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Videos

Women’s tournament run ended by first-round exit against UTRGV

The Wildcats’ Western Athletic Conference tournament run and season came to a ... [Read More…]

  • Optimist Newscast Feb. 22. 2022
  • Optimist Newscast 2.16.2022
  • Optimist Newscast 2.9.2022

Latest Photos

  • Home
  • Weekly Ads
  • Classifieds

© 2022 ACU Optimist · All Rights Reserved