MEMO

To: Alan Sickbert, Dean of Students

From: Brooke Raether
Date: October 18, 2015
Subject: Proposal to study the feasibility of Hamline University to build a recreation center
Purpose
This proposal serves as a request to perform a study to determine if it is feasible for Hamline
University to build a new recreation center. I am requesting approval to conduct research and
write a report to be submitted no later than November 29, 2015.
Summary
At Hamline University there is a limited amount of space for students who wish to stay
physically active while at college. Some problems include the small size of the fitness center and
a limited amount of time that is available for the use of the gym. When students are able to
maintain a level of physical fitness it has shown that it also increases their academics (Zizzi,
Ayers, Watson II, & Keller, 2004). Recreation centers also help the transition into college by
creating an atmosphere that allows for students to meet people that have the same interests, thus
creating a little community (Zizzi et al., 2004).
I plan to find if there it is feasible for Hamline University to build a new recreation center.
Through this I want to find if this is affordable for the Hamline community. Also if Hamline has
the space to build a new recreation center to fit all students. Lastly, if Hamline University has a
need by the students for a new recreation center.
Given how much research I have done, and the future research I plan to do, I feel I should have
no trouble making an informed study about this subject. My final documentation with a
recommendation to this problem will submitted by November 29, 2015.
Introduction
At Hamline University there is a limited amount of space for students to stay active and get an
adequate amount of exercise. Lloyd W. D. Walker Fieldhouse is a fully equipped sports facility
located at Hamline University. Walker Fieldhouse is home to Clarence T. Nelson Fitness Center,
gymnastic facility, three racquetball courts, sports medicine, indoor running track, three-court
gym, and athletic department offices. At Hamline University there are currently 2,157
undergraduate students, with many also patriating in a varsity sport (Life at Hamline). Of the
2000 up to sixty students can train in Clarence T. Nelson Fitness Center at a time, limiting the
amount of time students can spend training.
With the little space offered for a fitness room, many students who are not in a varsity sport often
shy away from stepping a foot in to workout. The students have an option to utilize the gym
space of Walker Fieldhouse, but that is also occupied by sports practices and intramurals
throughout each day. The times that Walker Fieldhouse is free to use is when students are in
classes or labs. If students had a building big enough for everyone, then the entire Hamline
student body can utilize the area.

Building a new recreation center could also help Hamline in attracting more students, since
recreation centers are becoming a big part of college campuses. Recreation centers are attracting
students to colleges, becoming a recruitment tools along with contributors to academic
performance (Zizzi et al., 2004).
While using a recreation center students develop a sense of community, helping to ease the
transition into college with the support of those that are similar to them (Zizzi et al., 2004).
Students also get involved through intramural sports, meeting people who share a similar interest
in sports as them. At Hamline there are a wide variety of intramural sports offered such as
basketball, handball, volleyball, soccer, football, inner tube water polo, and more. Intramural
sports, through Campus Recreation, also use Walker Fieldhouse for their various sports. With
some of the varsity sports teams also utilizing Walker Fieldhouse the time available for
intramural sports gets pushed later and students are playing at late hours of the night.
In colleges today, health centers are focused more on treatment of physical illnesses of the
students, and recreation centers are focused on the physical fitness of the students (Neilson et al.,
2004). Fullerton (2011) pointed out that when these two programs work together it better serves
the students, since both are vital of student life. Showing a direct relationship between student
health and well-being. Having a good relationship of health and well-being contributes to the
academic success of students.
In building a recreation center that can be utilized by all students can not only help in the overall
health of students, but can also help in the students academics. With the limited space of Walker
Fieldhouse it is difficult of students to achieve this success.
Proposed Procedure
In this section I will outline my completed research future research and evaluation criteria.
Completed Procedure
Currently I have completed the following research.
o I have researched the enrollment at Hamline University.
o I have researched the uses of Walker Fieldhouse along with its capacity.
o I have researched the benefits for students in staying active, regarding health and
academics.
o I have researched the uses of recreation centers on college campuses.
Future Procedure
The following is research I plan to do.
o I will research other recreation centers on college campuses in Minnesota.
o I will research the possible cost of building a new recreation center.
o I will research what should be put into a new recreation center.
o I will research the required staff to run the recreation center.
Evaluation Criteria
o Does Hamline University have a need for a new recreation center?
o Does Hamline University have the space to build a new recreation center?
o Would Hamline University have the funds for a new recreation center?
Qualifications

I have worked for Campus Recreation of Hamline University for three years, while being a
student there. While working for Campus Recreation I have witnessed the crowed gym space,
with completion between organizations. In the past I have done research on alcoholism and the
possibility of reinstating softball and baseball back into the Olympic Games.
Schedule
Task
Survey
Report Graphics
Progress Report
Rough Draft
PowerPoint Presentation
Report

Completion Date
October 17, 2015
November 1, 2015
November 8, 2015
November 15, 2015
November 29, 2015
November 29, 2015

References
Botelho, S. (2014). Inside look: Recreation centers. University Business, 17 (12), pp 38-43
Fullerton, D. S. (2011). A collaborative approach to college and university student health and
wellness. New Directions for Higher Education. 153, pp 61-69.
Hamline University. (2015). Life at Hamline. Retrieved from
http://www.hamline.edu/undergraduate/admission/piper-life.html
Neilson, S., Kotter, M., Padilla, R., Pennington, K., Pertofsky, C., Quirolgico, R., and Keeling,
R. (2004). Leadership for a healthy campus: An ecological approach for student success.
NASPA Journal. pp 1-41
Zizzi, S., Ayers, S. F., Watson II, J. C., and Keeler, L. A. (2004) Assessing the impact of new
student campus recreation centers. NASPA Journal, 41(4), pp 588-630.