Construction crews are seen taping off sections along the west wall of the ESU recreation center on Feb. 16." />
Construction crews are seen taping off sections along the west wall of the ESU recreation center on Feb. 16.
The Student Recreation Center will reopen Feb. 26 following a crash that damaged the west side of the building and its weightroom on Feb. 11.
Law enforcement and rescue personnel responded to the causal incident at 6 p.m. on Super Bowl Sunday. According to a press release by Captain Ray Mattas, the driver of the vehicle was fleeing from an attempted welfare check before the crash occurred. The driver’s high speed was a factor in the crash, but no other individuals were hurt. The SRC had adjusted hours due to the Super Bowl and closed at 5 p.m.
In an email announcement sent out last Thursday, Director of Recreation Services Mike Wise said that the SRC could still be utilized by students after cleanup.
“We have consulted with structural engineers who have examined the rec center and determined that the remaining portions of the building can be used while the weight room is repaired,” Wise said.
Recreation equipment will be rearranged so students can use as many services and programs as possible while repairs are being made. Due to damages, not every service or program will be made immediately available when the SRC reopens. The weight room will be unavailable, and it is unclear when it will reopen again.
“We will, however, be able to offer all our cardio equipment and some of our strength-training equipment as well as use the gym, fitness studio and restrooms,” Wise said.
The condition of the driver who caused the crash still remains unknown; Mattas indicated that the driver’s identity will not be made public. After being extricated from the vehicle, they were taken to Newman Regional Health for treatment. According to Sergeant Dominick Vortherms with the Emporia Police Department , their injuries were “non-life threatening.”
Students participating in intramurals will have their games temporarily moved to the Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Athletics Building, and students still wanting to use a weight room can access the academic weightroom in HYPER open to students and other SRC members.
The weight room can be accessed from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Individuals wanting to partake in the weight room must have their school ID with them upon entering HYPER.