He takes over at a time when the department is preparing for construction of two satellite recreational facilities.

Hall began his service at Texas A&M in 1979 as assistant director of intramurals.

31 after 45 years, as director of the Department of Recreational Sports

Rick Hall replaces Dennis Corrington, who retired Aug.

They will tell you what they want.By Mereyah Cage, Texas A&M University Rec Sports There are plenty of people who have done it. You may be in a situation where your university will pay for a new rec center, but look into doing it this way. “Work to get their support and do surveys and assessments. “My advice to other campus rec departments is to do a student referendum,” said Hall. He also said they learned a great deal from their colleagues at the University of Texas at Austin. However, before starting the entire process, Hall said they first had to educate students on the project and its benefits so they would pay the dedicated fee. They did buy-out packages early in the project and we beat the inflation which kept us under budget. They were everything as advertised and so organized. So much credit goes to our general contractor Manhattan Construction. “We were always targeting this fall to open. “We fulfilled a promise and a commitment to students if they trusted us with their money, we would add additional recreational space to alleviate crowded conditions,” said Hall. EXTRA CREDIT: Here are a few strategies to increase cash flow and engagement in campus rec. The rest of the financing came from revenue generated by Texas A&M Rec Sports. Hall said an estimated 80% of the total funding came from the fee almost every student pays at currently $145 per semester. University officials announced the project in fall 2020 after conducting a capital meeting with stakeholders and determining the location of the new center would be ideal on campus.įunding for the project mostly came from the student body’s dedicated rec sports fee. Even former students say current students are so lucky and they wish they would’ve had this.” Process and Advice I was able to talk with students and see their reaction on social media.

“Everything I’ve seen is just positive and exciting. “Volleyball is such a great co-rec activity,” said Hall. Thanks to conversations through advisory boards, Hall said they also learned how badly students wanted sand volleyball courts. It’s become popular, and we think it adds another healthy aspect to fitness.” Image courtesy of Texas A&M Rec Sports.ĭuring planning, the staff saw they needed more space on campus for free weights and extra basketball courts. During the pandemic, we were granted permission to do outdoor Yoga classes.

We are constantly learning of new trends and exercising outdoors has been one. It’s an extension of the weight room in an outdoor area. “We were able to put in two doors that lead out to an AstroTurf terrace from the weight room,” said Hall. In particular, Hall said the outdoor spaces were something the professional staff noticed were trending in the fitness industry during the planning stages of the project. Bouldering wall complete with new line of climbing holds.Custom strength and conditioning space.The Southside Rec Center has 63,500 square feet of indoor recreational space and an additional 15,000 square feet of outdoor space. Now, those students only have to walk a few short minutes to better their health. The first helped to relieve some of that crowding.”īefore the Southside Rec Center’s opening, students on that end of campus had to walk over 20 minutes to the nearest fitness facility. We did strategic planning and initially came up with a plan of two satellite facilities. “I’m not sure what the official enrollment is, but it’s now over 70,000. “All of this has happened as a result of incredible growth on campus of student population,” said Hall. Despite formerly expanding the original Rec Center and constructing the Polo Road Rec Center, he said there was still a large need for more space. Rick Hall, the director of Rec Sports, said the new addition to Texas A&M is necessary due to the university’s continued student population boom. At over 78,000 square feet of recreational space, the facility will provide the campus with its third state-of-the-art fitness complex. On August 24, 2022, Texas A&M University Rec Sports opened its new $30 million Southside Rec Center to students.

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