By Brian Bohl

The University is planning a 40-foot expansion of the Recreation Center that would include new classrooms and stretch north toward Mitchel Field. A design for the project is expected to be finished at the end of the year, according to Joseph Barkwill, vice president of Facilities and Operations.

Located on the campus’ northeast corner, the facility currently contains conference, locker and weight rooms as well as a gymnasium and an indoor track. Construction should be completed in a year to 18 months.

If the University is selected from a pool of 17 schools to host one of the three presidential debates in 2008, however, the timetable could change. “We might have to move some of the Rec Center in segments because of the debates,” he said. “On the debate, we should have the final answer by the end of October.”

Should the University host a debate, the arena would house the event and the Physical Fitness Center would serve as a media room.

Barkwill said rumors about the Rec Center closing on a long-term basis are inaccurate. “It’s amazing sometimes how rumors get out,” Barkwill said. “We’re trying to minimize the construction time on the Rec Center. We don’t want to take the facility down for any great length of time. I heard someone say it was going to be down a year or two. That’s not the case. We’re working with students and Rec Center personnel on what kind of equipment and needs the students have.”