DUBOIS, Pa. – Development continues to maneuver ahead on the brand new Bodily Health, Athletics, and Wellness (PAW) Middle at Penn State DuBois, with work operating on schedule and anticipated to be accomplished by Fall of 2022.
The Penn State Board of Trustees authorized the $17.3 million undertaking in July. The undertaking will remodel the previous Multipurpose Constructing right into a state-of-the-art facility with a concentrate on athletics, well being and recreation.
“Alexander Constructing Development of State School is basically doing an amazing job for us on this job,” mentioned Penn State DuBois Upkeep Supervisor Tom Hibbert. “COVID has created a variety of delays throughout the development trade; and whereas there have been delays receiving sure supplies, it’s an issue the development crew is coping with very properly, they usually’ve been capable of keep on schedule.” Hibbert defined that crews proceed to hold out work in areas the place provides are available as they await the arrival of different supplies.
As soon as accomplished, the constructing’s gymnasium will characteristic model new flooring, new and improved bleacher seating, new lighting and extra. The health middle shall be up to date to supply college students and student-athletes, in addition to workers, an area to work towards staying wholesome. Extra apply area in addition to places of work for athletics employees may even be housed inside the up to date constructing. Two units of dwelling and away locker rooms are being constructed, and new heating and air-con programs may even be put in for improved efficiencies.
Penn State DuBois Athletic Director Ken Nellis mentioned the undertaking has been met with an excessive amount of enthusiasm. He additionally expressed gratitude for the help campus athletic groups have acquired from the neighborhood and different native organizations. On account of development, the volleyball crew held all dwelling matches at different amenities this season, and each males’s and ladies’s basketball groups have performed completely on the highway.
“We’re extraordinarily happy with the progress of the development and sit up for getting again into the constructing in September,” Nellis mentioned. “With the continued struggles with the COVID-19 pandemic it has made it tougher not having our personal facility for practices and video games. DuBois Space Faculty District, Jeff Tech, and the YMCA have been life savers by offering area for our groups to carry practices and video games. Penn State DuBois college students, the athletes, and coaches are excited concerning the new amenities and the vitality it can convey again to campus; to not point out dwelling video games once more.”
Initially constructed in 1966, the constructing previously housed the Wildlife Know-how program along with athletics and fitness-related areas. Wildlife Know-how shall be relocated to current area on campus within the Smeal Constructing that has additionally been up to date to greatest serve the wants of this system.
A protracted-lasting impression on the campus shall be realized because of the generosity of donors who contributed to this undertaking, together with Charles Snapp, the Fairman Household Basis, Christine Beretsel, Dan and Donna Kohlhepp, Janine Fennell Johnson, and Bob Johnson. Moreover, Penn State has devoted funding via College Capital Funds, and the Pupil Authorities Affiliation has voted to direct Pupil Facility payment {dollars} towards the undertaking. Main Upkeep funding and campus funds {dollars} may even assist to cowl the price.
