Ball State was among nine colleges throughout the U.S. to win recognition for their sport's facilities.
The Student Recreation and Wellness Center earned the title of 2012 Outstanding Sports Facilities, which is an award given by the National Intramural Recreation Sports Association.
Associate Director of Recreation Services Jason Adamowicz said officials at the rec center were grateful to receive the recognition. He said the renovation of the facilities was a process that involved everyone on campus, from students to administration groups, architects and contractors.
"It's something we're very proud of and I think the campus should be proud of," he said. "There are so many people that were involved in this project, and I think the students that use the facility ... would tell you that they are very happy with it, as well, and that the university accomplished its goal to provide a dynamic facility."
Renovations to the rec center were completed August 2010, with a total cost of $39 million. New additions to the facilities include a renovated fitness room, a 3-lane and 200-meter hanging track, a five court gymnasium, three multipurpose rooms, an indoor turf field, a rock wall and a rental center.
Adamowicz said the fitness center is the part most used by students and faculty.
"Going into the project, we knew that would be the case," he said. "It was one that was one of the number one initiatives in the project."
However, Adamowicz said there is no specific part of the facilities the staff is most proud about.
"The entire project feel was a success, from the overall look and feel of the facility, it's a facility you just feel good entering; it's extremely functional," he said. "It allows us in our department to provide the programming and services the we know the students want and desire at a real optimal level."
Established in 1950, NIRSA is a non-profit organization with nearly 4,000 members. According to a press release, "any NIRSA member institution with construction projects no more than two years old, with a facility over 20,000 square feet, and with total construction costs of at least $2 million is eligible for an Outstanding Sports Facilities Award. Recreational sports directors from NIRSA member institutions as well as designers and architects who are NIRSA associate members award the honors."
NIRSA has been presenting annual awards to renovated facilities since 1988, selecting and publishing information on the facilities as models or resources for campus planners, recreational sports directors, designers, architects, contractors and recreational sports students.
Lexi Chaput, 2011-2012 Outstanding Sports Facilities Award Selection Committee, said Ball State scored high in areas of sustainable features and technological benefits, since almost 92 percent of the old building was recycled and the facilities are now going for a LEED silver certification. Another highlight, she said, was the indoor turf field.
An alumna from Ball State, Chaput obtained a master's degree in sports administration and was also a graduate assistant at the rec center. One of the main changes she personally thought were better for the facilities was the redesign and the environment overall.
"I think the old Irving Gym — while it had some character and some history to it — I don't think it was the easiest place to find and I don't think it was the most welcoming for students," she said. "So I think the new front of the building does wonders for just the façade and the welcoming atmosphere.
"I think that they did a great job with the detail work, just including color in the facility; it's something that sometimes can be neglected in facility projects. The fact that it was changed to be more welcoming I think was great."
The award will be presented formally at the NIRSA Annual Conference and Recreational Exposition from March 27-30 in Tampa, Fla.
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