Wolfville, September 1, 2011 – Acadia University’s new fitness facility is on schedule to open September 2 in time for the return of students to campus.  The renovations to the Acadia Athletics Complex will double the size of its current strength training and general fitness facilities and include the installation of new cardio equipment acquired by the Acadia Students’ Union and provide space for a separate facility for intense strength training. The renovations and improvement are being funded entirely through donations, a grant from the Province of Nova Scotia and a contribution from the ASU.

“Canada’s leading universities have all made significant investments in their health and fitness facilities over the past few years because students are increasingly concerned about maintaining their physical fitness while they pursue their studies,” said Kevin Dickie, Acadia’s Director of Varsity Athletics. “We have also seen a dramatic change in the way varsity athletes prepare for competition through intensive strength training programs and this makes them tougher competitors. All of these factors combine to put pressure on our facility and create the need for changes that will allow us to accommodate our students as well as all of our community partners, such as S.M.I.L.E., that are so important to us. I’m confident this new facility will meet all of these needs and help our campus retain its reputation as one of the toughest places for our AUS competitors to visit and play well.”

The Auxiliary Gym has been transformed into Acadia’s fitness centre with new free weights, refurbished strength training machines and a significant increase in the quantity and quality of cardio equipment available. A protective cushion floor covering has been installed along with entertainment units and water fountains. The ASU is a partner through the installation of 19 pieces of ASU-owned cardio equipment.  The former basement weight and cardio room will be used to develop two unique spaces. The larger area that formerly held the majority of the cardio and strength training machines will be used primarily as a studio for the many instructor-led fitness programs Acadia offers to students, staff and the community.  The space that currently houses our free weights will become a heavy lifting workout area for athletes following serious strength training programs such as Acadia’s varsity athletes. A separate entrance to this area has been constructed.

“This is an excellent opportunity for the Students’ Union to partner with the University to enhance not only our opportunities for fitness, but to enable more academic, athletic, and community engagement,” said Ben Jessome, ASU President. “This is project will positively impact stakeholders from a number of different sectors in the Acadia and Wolfville communities and as President of the ASU it truly makes me proud to see that students are willing to embrace change and make a difference.”

One of Acadia’s most successful community and student volunteer programs is S.M.I.L.E. and it has significant and specialized space requirements. Improving and enhancing this important academic program was a priority for everyone involved with this project so S.M.I.L.E. will continue to utilize many of the important spaces in the Complex weekly including classrooms, the main gym and main pool. In addition, space across from the main gym, currently used for storage, will be used to create new sensory and motor activity and lab space for the program.

“We are very pleased with the cooperation of everyone involved with the work required to reach this important milestone,” said Rene Murphy, Director of Acadia’s School of Recreation Management and Kinesiology.  “Our academic programming will benefit from the renovations and we look forward to better and bigger health and wellness facilities for our students, faculty, staff and community users.”

Acadia’s athletics complex will hold an open house September 8-11 where everyone is invited to use the facility and its programs free of charge. Acadia’s varsity athletics radio sponsors AVR and Magic 94.9 will be broadcasting live from the facility on September 8 and September 9.

 

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