By J.D. EDDY, Editorial Editor
The Wellness Center hosted a forum on Monday to discuss what students and community members want to have changed at the facility. The forum was hosted in Room 102 for anyone who wanted to participate.
I believe the Wellness Center needs money to grow and become a great facility.
To start the forum, Tandy Keenan, Northwestern’s director of sponsored programs, discussed the renovations that are going to be made to the tennis courts. Keenan said she believes the university can bring in grant money to keep them up to date for the next 20 years.
Keenan said she wanted to use the forum to bring attention to the grant, and to show that there can be more events staged on the tennis courts for everyone.
After Keenan, Wellness Center Director Olivia Yandel began her forum conversation, with the first topic being cardio equipment. She asked whether we have enough, too much or need to replace some of the older equipment.
Yandel then asked students and community members to write down their views on what needs to change.
Some of the topics that were touched on the most were the free weights, cardio machines and cable machines that the “Welly” offers. The range of equipment is limited, but the Wellness Center has purchased new equipment, including preset barbells. Wellness center workers are in the process of buying other new pieces of equipment.
The turnout for the forum was more than I expected, with faculty, students and community members voicing their opinions.
“I was really pleased with the turnout,” Yandel said. “I was also surprised at the amount of community members that showed up to voice their concerns.”
Some of the community members said they want to have more health and fitness classes added, while also having them at times that are more convenient. Classes that some wanted to see added include pilates, zumba and even kickboxing with bags.
People in the forum pointed out not only issues, but also the positives about the Wellness Center. One thing that sticks out to me is how late the Wellness Center stays open compared to other buildings on campus. Most of the buildings close at 5 p.m. The café closes at 8 p.m., so being open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. most days is a blessing.
Student Harley Mullins said: “I thought it was actually pretty productive. The forum served to point out a lot of issues and strengths. Some issues I wanted to see addressed was about the old white cable machine.
“I think that some of this old equipment needs to be sold or traded in to try and get something out of it, if no one is going to use it.”
Forum attendees also discussed rules and policies.
For instance, some community members would like to see the Wellness Center open 24/7. I do not agree with this. It would not be feasible because of the high electricity costs and having to track what members come in at all times.
Also, finding student workers for all shifts would be nearly impossible.
That would drive up the cost of maintaining one of the only places in Alva that has weightlifting equipment.
The tank top rule was also discussed. I believe tank tops should be allowed. I sweat a lot and ruin perfectly good shirts that have sleeves. If that rule is changed, then there would have to be rules in place to prevent people from “pushing the envelope” when wearing tank tops.
To prevent dress code violations the Wellness Center could post signs showing proper attire. I do believe the dress code needs to be updated. However, things like crop tops, which show off a person’s midriff, should be banned.
I would also like to point out a double standard in the dress code. If we are allowed to wear shorts with a 5-inch inseam, then why can’t we allow people to show their shoulders. Don’t take the shorts away, but allow people to wear tank tops.
Improvements can always be made no matter where you are. Acquiring new equipment will take time.
The gym in my hometown bought new equipment over the course of four years. Because of the expenses, they had to raise the prices from $22 to $30 for a monthly membership. I think this is something the university could do to raise funds for new equipment.
The university has reduced the Wellness Center’s budget over the past six years.
The Wellness Center in 2016-2017 had an annual budget for equipment of $26,000. Then in 2017-2018, the budget was decreased to $17,500. In 2018-2019, the budget was decreased to $16,000. Since 2019, the annual budget for equipment has been $11,000.
The Wellness Center needs more money than that we can’t modernize this facility without more funding.
Bailey Gooch and Olivia Yandel have done a great job with the Wellness Center, turning the space into a welcoming environment for everyone who chooses to work out there.
Since I have been in college, the Wellness Center has purchased some new equipment, including a new bench press, new decline press, incline rack and more plates to allow for more lifting to be done at once.
The forum served its purpose to get individuals from the community and students to voice their concerns and give praise to the Wellness Center. I wish this had been done sooner, but change does not happen overnight.
If the university were to increase the budget from $11,000 to the number in 2018 of $17,000, that would allow for growth and more equipment to be bought.
I am happy that the administration was open to listening to the students and faculty that work out there.
I am looking forward to great things happening and the Wellness Center being the best that it can be.
