CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story inaccurately defined who could use the Student Recreation Center for free.
For the few people that used the Memorial Gym Weight Room over the last four years, its removal will simply mean a change in location for their daily exercise.
The weight room, located on the first floor of the University of Idaho Memorial Gym, consisted of a few strength machines that were moved from the Kibbie Dome concourse upon its renovation in 2010. There were no free weights, and according to Vice President of Finance and Administration Ron Smith, just a handful people used the machines on a regular basis.
For these reasons — and the need for additional office space — the gym was closed and the old equipment was removed from campus altogether.
“We took a look at where we could put people, and we found that where the weight room is, we have very limited use,” Smith said. “We have four to six people that regularly work out there.”
Smith said the few individuals who still used the weight room regularly for exercise are encouraged to continue their routines at the safer, up-to-date Student Recreation Center located on the opposite end of campus.
Full-time, fee paying students who were using the now ex-weight room have unlimited access to the SRC.
“We have a lot of space challenges on campus right now. We had to find some temporary space for the faculty at the College of Education. (Memorial Gym) was identified as a good space, especially for movement science and physical education classes,” Smith said. “We have equipment that is old, so there is a cost there, and it’s a risk management issue.”
Though not yet permanent, Smith said there’s a good chance the new office functions of the room will remain in the space even after the College of Education remodel. In a few years, Smith said university staff would reevaluate the space and fill it accordingly.
The SRC building is set to return to its regular academic-year hours beginning Monday. The building offers cable machines, free weights and other exercise equipment such as treadmills and elliptical machines. On top of using this equipment, Smith said attendees are encouraged to try out the rock climbing wall and sign up for one of a variety of wellness classes, such as spinning and Zumba.
Karter Krasselt can be reached at [email protected].