Flanagan Secures $19.5 Million For Sbu Campus Recreation Center

Responding to the growing need for recreational facilities on the Stony Brook University campus, Senator John J. Flanagan (R,C-East Northport) secured $19.5 million in the 2005-06 state budget for the construction of a Campus Recreation Center.

"This Recreation Center will ensure the availability of the broadest range of recreation opportunities for the university community," said Senator Flanagan. "Keeping physically active is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. This center will play an important role in helping students enjoy quality sports and recreation opportunities and hopefully help them maintain an active life long lifestyle."

Frederick P. Preston, Vice President/Student Affairs said, "The legislature's support of this facility will make Stony Brook University student campus life competitive with peer campuses across the nation."

The center, approximately 88,000 square feet, will include a multi-court gymnasium for basketball, volleyball and badminton, an area for roller hockey, a 25-foot climbing wall, aerobic/martial arts rooms, free weight training area, cardiovascular machine area, three-lane jogging track, cafe, equipment loan area, locker room facilities with sauna and steam room, meeting rooms and massage therapy room. The center will serve all students including those who just want to enjoy the cafe, watch a game or relax between classes in the lounge area.

Flanagan said that during the Fall of the 1999 semester, a broad-based campus committee composed of Stony Brook students and staff began discussion relating to the construction of a Campus Recreation center. This initiative grew in response to student survey results that noted the severe lack of recreational facilities on campus for the over 20,000 students enrolled at Stony Brook. Stony Brook University’s growing student population, coupled with its recent athletic move to NCAA Division I status, have left students with very limited access to existing athletic facilities.

The facility will be located adjacent to the varsity athletic complex. Groundbreaking is scheduled for Spring 2006, and is expected to be complete in Spring 2008.

"Student recreation centers are critical components of the on-campus life experience and are invaluable in recruiting and retaining students," concluded Senator Flanagan.