Next step with NIC rec center proposed

After years of pursuing the idea of a recreational center on campus, a new proposal for its construction was presented to the NIC’s board of trustees Feb. 18. As for now, it was only informative.

According to the proposal the new rec center would be a 30,000 square foot facility located in south of River Avenue behind Winton Hall, where the tennis courts are. The total project cost is estimated at $7.7 million and it will add a student fee of $100 per semester, which would be obligatory.

“This is a student driven project, this is coming from the students and has been from over a decade,” Jon Totten, coordinator outdoor pursuits, said. “Every student of this campus is going to benefit.”

If approved the construction will start on April of 2016 and it is expected to be open by the fall of 2017.

“We are passionate about recreation and wellness and we love sharing that passion with our students” Jessica Bennett, coordinator of recreation sports and the challenge course, said.

The possible amenities would be free weight, jogging track, rock climbing wall, cardio equipment, locker rooms, and basketball and volleyball courts.

In the spring of 2014 the Associated Students of North Idaho College (ASNIC) launched an online survey to know the desires of the students for a new recreational center and their willingness to have their tuition increased.

Richard Fortman, ASNIC president, said that 78 percent of respondents agreed on the need of a recreational center, and 68 percent of those support an additional fee up to $100 per semester.

Almost a year later, students around campus expressed opinions that are very similar as what the survey showed.

“I think this would be good for students,” Robin Schaum, 18, history major, said. “I would use it even if I have to pay for it.”

“It’s not that much if you are really going to use it, but I do mind paying an extra $100 in tuition for something I probably won’t use frequently,” John Melgard, 26, engineer major, said. “I’m not too excited about it.”