The East Gym will close at the end of this semester until fall 2011 while Binghamton University continues its ongoing construction projects.

According to Janice Bennett, associate director of Campus Recreation, the $13.5 million renovation project, which is slated to begin after commencement in May 2010, will include many additions to the East Gym facility.

“The long-awaited renovation project will better serve the recreational needs of our University community,” said Clyde Robinson, director of Campus Recreation. “It gives students a vibrant, well-equipped facility to get fit, meet others and have fun.”

FitSpace, the campus fitness center, which is currently a 4,000-square-foot facility, will more than double its size and become a 10,000-square-foot facility. There will be three renovated multipurpose rooms for group exercise classes and club practices, two renovated classrooms, a wellness suite and a consolidated office suite.

Relocated and renovated locker rooms, an upgraded Outdoor Pursuits rental center as well as improvements to the court area and the gym floor are also included in the construction plans.

“The scope of the project includes renovations to program spaces throughout the entire building, as well as upgrades to the central systems,” Bennett said.

Upgrades to the central mechanical system include the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC); plumbing and electrical.

Because the East Gym will be closed for the entire year, there will be a “dedicated fitness room” for FitSpace and a room for group exercise classes to be designated in the Old University Union. These facilities will be free and made available to all students, faculty and staff, Bennett said.

The temporary FitSpace area will include cardio and strength training equipment, but Bennett was unsure what pieces will be moved. There will not be any free weights offered at the temporary FitSpace due to “facility limitations in the Union and safety concerns.”

Lauren Manganiello, a senior integrative neuroscience major, a personal trainer and a FitSpace floor staff member, has worked at FitSpace for two years and sees the renovation project as a way to avoid complaints regarding space in the future.

“I hear complaints every day that people can’t get a spot in the group exercise class they want or have to wait for machines,” Manganiello said. “I am excited about the project to expand FitSpace because it will give students the ability to work out whenever they want without worrying about lines for equipment or classes.”

The open recreation will be hit hardest by the project due to limited court space.

“We are committed to trying to make some open rec time available each day in the West Gym,” Bennett said.

An outline of the renovation project and a temporary FitSpace schedule to be in effect during the East Gym closure will be available at the Campus Rec Web site, www2.binghamton.edu/campus-recreation/index.html.