Students interested in getting away from campus and engaging in some outdoor activity have a place to go that provides all the necessary equipment and resources. This new place is Outdoor Pursuits.
Outdoor Pursuits, located in the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, offers more than the popular climbing wall; it is also the premier rental center for recreational resources throughout all colleges in the state of Indiana, Ed Harcourt, senior legal studies major and rental center manager for OP, said.
"We are a way to introduce people into all kinds of outdoor activities," Harcourt said. "We have everything; from canoes, kayaks, camping materials and bikes, to corn hole, canopy tents and coolers that come filled with ice for tailgating days."
Harcourt said there is more recreation to do in or around Muncie than many people believe, and that Muncie is actually much more scenic and beautiful, too.
But students are not limited to just Muncie when they rent equipment, Assistant Director of OP, Stephanie Reinhart said.
"You can take the equipment anywhere [in the country] if you wanted, as long as it is returned safely and in good condition," she said.
OP gives students opportunities to explore the outdoors and possibly see how beautiful Muncie and the rest of the country is by providing them with all the necessary gear to rent for their activities, and at cheap prices, Harcourt said.
OP graduate assistant Brian Kostelnik said OP has five different areas: The climbing wall, the rental center, the resources center (which includes computers and books to help in the planning of trips) and their adventure trips program.
Reinhart said the OP program gives students opportunities to participate in activities that they would not otherwise have the chance to experience, and with high-end equipment.
"All of our equipment is brand new and top of the line," he said.
OP also plans recreational adventure trips throughout the semester open to all students. Its first trip is scheduled for Friday to Sunday in West Virginia at the Lower Gauley River where students will be led by OP trip leaders in white water rafting.
To see other scheduled trips this semester, visit their page on the Ball State website.
As far as choosing locations for the trips, Reinhart said they go to places the staff is familiar with, but always take suggestions on where to go.
If students prefer to map out their own trip, the OP office offers their resource center that allows students to come in and set up their trip right there by utilizing computers and books, Reinhart said.
"We have maps, trail books and a variety of web pages that can assist in the planning of trips. The majority of the staff is also available to help as most have an interest in outdoors so they are knowledgeable of the different areas to recreate in," he said.
Reinhart said coming soon there will also be a bike shop where students can come get their flats fixed at a nominal fee
It was Dan Byrnes, Director of Sports Facilities and Recreation Services, who pursued the OP program for the new SWRC. "There was always the climbing wall in the plans," Reinhart said, but Byrnes wanted to add a location where students could have exposure to outdoor activities.
Since this is its first year, Outdoor Pursuits hopes that students, faculty and staff will take advantage of all the equipment offered and join them on future adventure trips.
"This [OP] is a great resource to have while students are in school before entering the real world," Reinhart said.
Upcoming Fall Trips:
West Virginia, Gauley River, Whitewater Rafting (10/1-10/3)
Price includes: Transportation, Meals on site, Whitewater Rafting, Guides/Instruction
Student $265
Kentucky, Red River Gorge, Rock Climbing (10/21-10/24)
Price includes: Transportation, Equipment rental, Climbing Instruction, Camping
Student $85
Weekend (F-M) Rental Fees, Student Rates:
Canopy Tent $18
Corn Hole $10
Canoe Package $30
Recreation Kayaks $15
Road Bike $35
Mountain Bike $25
4-person tent $18
For more information on Rental Fees, visit the Outdoor Pursuit's office in the SWRC.
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