EUGENE–The Physical Activity and Recreation Services (PARS) Center at the University of Oregon has been transformed from a shabby 1930s style physical education center into the coolest place on campus, thanks to a $20-million remodeling project.

The fitness center, located in historic Esslinger Hall, now boasts a custom-designed rock climbing wall, an indoor running track and a fully equipped 10,000-square-foot strength and fitness room. A new three-court gymnasium and a separate six-court fully enclosed tennis center will be completed by early 2000.

"The new Student Recreation and Fitness Center will redefine campus recreation and fitness opportunities for our students," says Project Director Gregg Lobisser, director of student activities. "We expect the expanded hours and programs, the safe environment and the location in the heart of campus will combine to make this a very popular new hub for student activities."

Construction, which began last spring, will add 49,000 square feet of new construction to the 50-year old building. An additional 79,000 square feet of existing space is being remodeled to meet the fitness needs of today’s students.

Funding for the project comes almost entirely from student fees. UO students approved a 30-year student recreation and activity fee increase to raise $9.7 million for the project. Another $8.4 million comes from a student building fund administered by the Oregon University System. The UO Athletic Department, the University Health Center and Facilities Services contributed the remainder.

Users of the facility–UO students, staff and faculty–will be able to play volleyball, basketball and badminton in the three-court gymnasium and then cool off at the in-house juice bar. New equipment includes more than 30 pieces of cardiovascular equipment.

PARS Director Karla Rice is enthusiastic about the sweeping walls of glass on two sides of the fitness and strength center.

"Oregon winters are so dark, we wanted to bring in as much light as possible," she says. "We also used a lot of glass to visually link interior spaces."

The project also replaced natural grass fields that were unusable during the rainy season with new all-weather playing fields with artificial turf.

Lobisser says Phase II of the project, which began this month, should be open and ready for use in the spring.

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