Sources: Steve Martini, 785-532-6980, martini@k-state.edu;
and Matt Wagner, 316-990-1793, mwagner@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Andy Badeker, 785-532-6415, abadeker@k-state.edu
Friday, Nov. 16, 2007
NEXT STEP FOR K-STATE RECREATION CENTER EXPANSION: STATE LEGISLATURE CONSIDERATION
MANHATTAN -- The successful student referendum to expand Peters Recreation Complex at Kansas State University must now pass muster with the Kansas Legislature in the spring. The proposal has now earned the support of the state Board of Regents, which approved it Nov. 15.
"We're excited, that's for sure," said Steve Martini, director of K-State recreational services. "The students gave it their blessing, and that's the first hurdle." With about 5,000 students voting, the measure garnered 72 percent approval in balloting Nov. 13. Any student referendum requires 60 percent approval to pass.
The $21 million for the expansion would come from a 30-year bond to be paid off with student privilege fees. Most students now pay $37.50 per semester for the recreation complex. That figure would rise $20 through 2011, when the expansion is expected to be complete. At that point, student privilege fees would rise another $20 per semester for the remaining 27 years of the bond, to $77.50 per semester.
Though many months of consultations, bid announcements and design changes lie ahead, "the exact design and exact square footage will end up being based on that amount of money," Martini said.
The Peters complex was built in 1980 and has undergone one expansion already, from 96,000 square feet to 177,000. This proposal would bring that figure to 265,500 square feet, which would house an indoor track, a lounge, a rock-climbing wall, a configurable space to accommodate such sports as indoor soccer and floor hockey, a lounge and a multipurpose space for yoga, fitness classes or group rentals.
The cardio and weight room would double in size, to 20,000 square feet. The entire center would be renovated as well, according to Matt Wagner, K-State student body president. He is a senior in management information systems, El Dorado.
The current expansion was developed by Ebert Mayo Design Group, Manhattan. An animated rendering of the space can be viewed at http://www.k-state.edu/yesrec/tour.htm