Renovations have begun on the recreation field known as ENS 700.
Renovations have begun on the recreation field just east of Viejas Arena and south of the Music building, also known as ENS 700. Improvements to the two-acre field started on May 1 and should be complete by the time classes begin this fall.
The improved field will provide increased recreational opportunities for students, including intramural sports, sport clubs and other informal drop-in recreation opportunities for all students. These programs are in high demand but are hampered by the university’s lack of space for recreational programming.
Including ENS 700, SDSU has roughly 6.5 acres of recreational programming, which equates to approximately 0.20 acres per 1,000 students. According to a survey by Human Kinetics, the national average is 0.94 acres per 1,000 students.
“This project will greatly enhance opportunities to support student recreation and fitness needs, particularly as the number of students living on and near campus grows,” said Associated Students President Christian Onwuka.
The role of recreation programming goes well beyond providing leisure opportunities for the campus. It is well documented that collegiate recreation facilities and programs play a large role in the recruitment, engagement and retention of students, while supporting a healthy environment for the entire campus community.
The $5 million field renovation project includes new field lighting, expanding opportunities for students to use the field outside of daylight hours. The existing field will be replaced with new artificial turf to withstand the increased usage. The new turf will feature a specialized infill system much cooler than traditional turf products and requiring less maintenance.
A new pedestrian path and landscape improvements are also part of the project.
“Associated Students and the Recreation and Wellness Commission have been key partners in planning this project, as its main purpose is to meet the needs of our students,” said Amanda Scheidlinger, project manager and an architect for San Diego State University’s department of Planning Design and Construction.
Improvements to the recreation field are just the beginning. The campus is also preparing a full renovation of the Aztec Recreation Center (ARC). Fees voted on and approved by the student body in 2018 will fund both projects. The fees go into effect in 2021 and provide all students with open access to the ARC and other recreational facilities on campus, including the Aztec Aquaplex, ARC Express in the Aztec Student Union, racquetball courts, tennis courts and recreational fields.
