The Associated Students Incorporated (ASI) student government at Cal Poly Pomona, acting on a strong show of support from the incoming freshman class, is moving forward with plans to construct and operate a 119,000-square-foot recreation center. The center, which would be constructed in the southern section of campus, would be a stand-alone facility adjacent to Bronco Commons, the Residential Suites, Bronco Student Center and athletics facilities.

The recreation center would offer students access to basketball and multi-activity courts, a rock wall, racquetball courts, outdoor lap and leisure pools with deck area, indoor jogging track, fitness center, multipurpose rooms for exercise classes and dance, lounge areas, food services and more. The recreation center would also create more than 200 student jobs and internships and be a social hub on campus for students.

The California State University Board of Trustees will decide at its Sept. 21-22 meeting whether to amend the campus master plan to allow construction of the recreation center. If approved, Cal Poly Pomona will join 14 CSU campuses that have a recreation center, either in operation or under construction.

“This facility will enrich student life and foster their engagement through a diverse range of health, fitness and recreation programs,” said ASI President Ismael Souley.

The recreation center will also be an important factor in the recruitment of prospective students to Cal Poly Pomona and serve as a showcase for sustainable building features.

The ASI Senate approved the recreation center as a key initiative in the 2009-14 ASI Strategic Plan, which was approved during the 2008-09 year. The construction cost would be about $57 million. The operations would be funded by raising the Bronco Student Center fee by $140 per quarter. Enrolled students would not pay the fee increase until the facility is open for use, which is scheduled for fall 2014. The fee is currently $83.76 per academic quarter and $17.70 for summer quarter.

Students who started at Cal Poly Pomona prior to fall 2010 and are still attending the university when the recreation center opens would not be mandatorily assessed the increased fee; however, they may optionally pay the fee and use the facility.

Over the summer, ASI polled all (99.9 percent) incoming freshmen about the proposed recreation center. An overwhelming 98 percent supported the concept of a recreation center, and 75 percent were supportive of a fee increase to pay for the facility.

ASI presented the recreation center initiative to the university’s Fee Advisory Committee, in which students hold the majority and work alongside representatives from faculty and staff. The committee endorsed the initiative, which the university president then approved.

“I am very excited about this new recreation center for our university,” Souley said. “I have learned from my peers at other CSUs that this facility is a center of activity where students meet and interact with each other. The recreation center will enhance the quality of life at Cal Poly Pomona significantly.”

If approved by the Board of Trustees next week, design of the recreation center would begin this fall. Students will have multiple opportunities to attend focus groups and provide input to the development of the project, including its use of sustainable features. ASI encourages students and the campus community to direct any questions and inquiries to asi.cpp.edu. For frequently asked questions, visit asi.cpp.edu/reccenter.

Editor’s Note: The CSU Board of Trustees decided at its Sept. 21 meeting to amend the campus master plan to allow construction of a student recreation center at Cal Poly Pomona. (9/22/10)