Spring Break
Swinney renovations are a big hit with patrons
David Cordill
Issue date: 8/18/08 Section: Sports
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"Considering some of the challenges and design changes, we were pleased that we were able to keep it within budget and on time," Saunders said.
Original drafts calling for separate "upscale" security locker rooms alongside public facilities were revisited last spring after certain factions of faculty, student body, and public members voiced their displeasure over the plan.
Along with the 7,550 square feet of refurbished public space, SRC's much needed infrastructure modernizations were addressed as well. These included updated HVAC units and plumbing modifications, replacing the antiquated systems which ranged anywhere from 20 to 60 years of service at the gymnasium.
Sauna and steam rooms were introduced into the indoor pool area; previously, both were located in the locker areas. All areas are conveniently accessible from the changing rooms. Saunders said he was pleased with the logistics of the finished product.
"The layout works for everyone," he said. "We've had a lot of positive feedback from folks. It helps to bring the aquatics program in with the rest of [SRC] because they are closer together."
But the real attraction at Swinney is the remodeled men's and women's locker rooms, which consist of separate adjacent facilities for students and public/faculty patrons. Preparing an afternoon workout at the gym, UMKC student Margo May appeared pleased with both the form and function of the changing rooms and showers.
"I haven't been in here for about two years because I usually don't go into locker rooms," May said. "It looks well thought out and the floor plan looks really good."
Swinney patrons were subjected to smaller and often crowded locker room accommodation during the renovation. Some patrons, like SRC member Jeff Heckathorn, dressed out in places other than the provisional locations. Heckathorn, though still slightly miffed over the makeshift conditions offered by SRC management during the construction interim, said he liked what he saw.
"It's nice," Heckathorn said. "They seemed to have done a good job. … This is a vast improvement over changing in a restroom. It seemed like they really skimped on the temporary facilities, but that's over now, so we're moving on."
Saunders said an annex gym site on the Hospital Hill campus will have a "soft opening" this fall with regular operating hours scheduled for the spring. In addition to these plans, Saunders is working on possible decorating projects for SRC involving student participation. He is also considering installing a smoothie bar in the vending area.
dcordill@unews.com
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