Rec Sports facilities complete renovations

IU Campus Recreational Sports facilities have undergone several renovations in preparation for the new semester.  

Woodlawn Field has now reopened after a $500,000 construction project that began in June 2012.

The former gravel track surrounding the field has been converted to an asphalt running track. The construction process included the installment of new sod, an irrigation system and lighting for both the east and west sides of the field. In the past, only the west side was lit.

“It allows us to play later in the evening because we have lights,” said Campus Recreational Sports Associate Director Jackie Puterbaugh.

The irrigation system and new lighting will allow for a better playing field for the eight to 12 club and intramural teams that use the space, including soccer, ultimate frisbee, lacrosse and field hockey, Puterbaugh said.

“If we didn’t have rain, the fields would just be ruined,” Puterbaugh said.

A limestone wall was also constructed around the field on Woodlawn Avenue and 10th Street to make the area look like the rest of campus, said Deputy Vice President of Capital Planning and Facilities Paul Sullivan.

This summer, the Wildermuth Intramural Center completed the installment of a new running track surrounding the facility’s ten basketball courts. Graphic panels have also been added to the walls around the track, displaying the different programs offered by Campus Recreational Sports.

Epoxy flooring has been installed in the north entrance and racquetball courts, and lighting has been upgraded in the strength and cardio room.

In the Student Recreational Sports Center, the roof has been replaced and renovations are wrapping up in the facility’s pools.

Due to deterioration over time, pool tiles have been re-caulked during a six-week construction period. The Olympic-size pool will open Monday, and the diving well will open Sept. 2, Puterbaugh said.

Renovations have taken place in two basketball courts due to water damage during the summer, Puterbaugh said. Repair costs were covered by insurance.

“There was a terrible storm overnight after hours, and water got in,” Puterbaugh said. “A portion of the wood had to be replaced, and those just reopened yesterday.”

Several future construction projects are also in the works. Within the next year and a half, renovations are planned for the concrete terrace on the north side of the SRSC. The facility’s locker rooms are also set to be upgraded in order to offer students larger storage space, Puterbaugh said.

“We have done a lot of work over the past three years to improve the facilities,” Puterbaugh said. “I think they’re in the best shape they’ve ever been.”

Follow Samantha Schmidt on Twitter at @schmidtsam7.