Student access to recreation and fitness improved with new Kinesiology Building

Posted March 15, 2002


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 15, 2002 2002-03-10-KIN

Student access to recreation and fitness improved
with new Kinesiology Building

In just 18 months, the much anticipated new Kinesiology Building at the
University of Saskatchewan campus will finally be a reality.

The ground was broken in late February on the $33 million building, which is
expected to be ready for teaching, research, recreation, and athletics by
August 2003.

The new facility will meet the space requirement needs of the College of
Kinesiology while also providing outstanding athletic and recreational
opportunities for faculty and students from across the campus.

It will feature a triple gym with seating for about 2,500, four convertible
racquetball/squash courts, a walk/jog track, a 14,000 square foot Fit
Centre, and a rock climbing wall in the main foyer.

The College has faced challenges in its teaching and research activities
since faculty and students were forced out of their building in December
1997. The demolition of that building in January 1998 meant lost lab,
classroom, and gym space. The new building includes five classrooms, a
lecture theatre, and state-of-the-art laboratories.

"Our College boasts some outstanding people," said Mark Tremblay, College
Dean. "This building will be the final piece in the puzzle, bringing
together the faculty, students, and the facilities we need to make
significant contributions to the science of kinesiology and health."

The new building will be a boon to the College of Kinesiology, but it will
also have an impact on the larger campus community. Students will have
greater access to superb athletic and recreation facilities and a wider
range of activities to choose from.

"Like all universities today, we are facing stiff competition for students
and faculty," said University of Saskatchewan President Peter MacKinnon. "In
this environment, the ability to offer ample opportunities for recreation
and physical fitness as part of the university experience becomes
increasingly important."

Tremblay agrees. "A physically active campus is healthier, happier, and more
productive," he said. "We know that students will do better in all aspects
of their time here if they are fit and healthy."

The funding for the building has been entirely provided by the Province of
Saskatchewan, as announced in the 1998 Budget Speech.

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For more information, please contact:

Mark Tremblay
Dean
College of Kinesiology
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-6465
mark.tremblay@usask.ca

PLEASE NOTE: Artist renditions of the new building, both interior and
exterior, are available in an electronic format upon request. Please call
Cindy at (306) 966-6640.