College officials have now finalized plans to move a temporary Life Fitness Center onto the upper playing field in front of the East Campus cafeteria by February or March, and have it operational by summer so construction can begin in the Sports Pavilion.
“This is an exciting project for the college for several reasons,” LFC director Ellen O’Connor, who was unavailable for interview, told the Channels in an email.
The move will allow the construction of four state-of-the-art classrooms and an elevator, for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, to begin in the Sports Pavilion by May. The project, which will last at least 18 months, is part of the state bond measure for schools that was recently passed by the voters of California.
A 30-year-old ventilation system will also be updated in the building.
The temporary LFC, which was once planned to be a portable steel tent, will now be housed in a portable building like those already in place adjacent to the field.
“It’s going to go on the east portion of the field,” said Alexander Pittmon, Director of Facilities and Operations. “The structure will be about 60 feet wide by 96 feet long.”
Keeping the LFC open is not only important to the physical health of those who use it, but it’s also important to the financial health of the college, O’Connor said.
“The LFC classes, like all campus classes, generate revenue for the college based on the number of Fulltime Equivalent Students generated,” she said. “The college receives approximately $3600 per FTES.”
O’Connor said about 2000 students use the facility, but the actual number of those that are FTES is unknown.
One inconvenience for Physical Education students is there will be nowhere to change in the temporary LFC. Lockers and use of the locker rooms will still be available to these students in the Sports Pavilion.
Parking problems and increased foot traffic on East Campus are possible concerns, but many students and faculty members believe the move will be a small inconvenience for a worthwhile outcome.
“I think the LFC is important enough to keep open by whatever means,” said City College student Travis Waiton.
“The Life Fitness Center is an important part of not only this school, but this community,” said theatre arts chair Rick Mokler. “I think Ellen O’Connor has done more for the overall physical health of this town than anyone. I say what ever she needs to keep it (LFC) going, let her have it.”
But not all are pleased with the plan, especially those who work near the upper playing field.
“I’m concerned that this end of campus has become a dumping ground for everything unattractive, said Channels advisor Patricia Stark, who’s Campus Center office is located right in front of the temporary LFC site.
“I use the Life Fitness Center and it’s a wonderful resource. But I’d like some assurances that these new portables won’ t become as permanent as the others out here.”
Life Fitness Center to move
Chris Shepard, Managing Editor
December 5, 2003
Story continues below advertisement
More to Discover