Carolinian

Recreational outdoor courts now open

New facilities include volleyball and basketball courts, track, and picnic area

Josh Wyatt

Issue date: 1/24/06 Section: Sports

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Media Credit: JOHN READ/THE CAROLINIAN

The recreation facilities are located behind the new softball stadium near Peabody Park. Campus Recreation headed a project that brought outdoor basketball (top) and volleyball (left) courts to students. There is also a picnic area (above) located between the two sets of courts.

After many months of construction the new outdoor basketball and sand volleyball courts have opened along with the Irwin Belk Recreational Track. The project was started last semester on the north side of campus and fits in nicely with the new softball stadium.

Kim Clark, who works for Campus Recreation, headed the project. "I have over 10 years of experience managing/operating recreation facilities, and have been fortunate enough to be involved with several renovation and/or construction projects of recreation facilities here at UNCG and at another university. This is the first project involving outdoor recreation courts and a track of this type," stated Clark.

The project was not cheap, costing $716,000 in student fees. Clark feels that the new recreation area will be well worth it however, stating, "The student body response seems to be positive."

Since UNCG has been experiencing a very warm winter, the courts and track have already started getting use. "The Student Recreation Center staff has been receiving lots of questions, and on warm days students have been utilizing the courts and the track. We are also beginning to receive facility requests from clubs and organizations wanting to use the facility for special events," said Clark.

The grand opening ceremony is set for March 15. According to Clark, a special event called the Backyard Bash is scheduled. Plans for the Backyard Bash are being finalized, but food, music, games, and prizes are planned to be incorporated into the celebration.

The courts will be opened to students and faculty who have a UNCG ID. With two full basketball courts, two sand volleyball courts, and long hours, any student can find time to use the courts. The track is available for use any time of the day or night, but students should use caution running at night as the track is not lighted. Both courts will be opened from 10 am-11 pm and will have lights that can be manually turned on from 5 pm-11 pm.

Hopes are high for the new facilities as spring looms ahead. Clark said, "We are confident that usage of this facility will continue to grow as the weather warms up this spring."

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