Washburn University Board of Regents

SUBJECT: Architect Selection for Moore Bowl Renovations and Student Fitness/Recreation Center

BACKGROUND:

Moore Bowl Moore Bowl has served as the home for Washburn football since its dedication on September 28, 1928, and has a current seating capacity of 7,200. A press box and concession stands were added to the facility in 1963, but were destroyed three years later in the 1966 tornado.

After the 1966 tornado, two metal prefabricated buildings were installed for the press box and a President's box in 1969 and 1982, respectively. These buildings have no central heat or air, and are no longer adequate to serve the needs of the University. In addition, the doors for the boxes, restrooms and concession stands do not meet current ADA requirements.

The structures that comprise Moore Bowl need to be upgraded to display an enhanced image of the University as well as meet current operational needs, building codes and ADA requirements. We have the opportunity to transform Moore Bowl into a multi-use facility that can accommodate, among other uses, soccer and student activities.

Approximately two and one-half years ago, Athletics began an informal investigation of how improvements to Moore Bowl could address these needs. Since that time, a more active study has taken place. The Moore Bowl Renovation Committee was formed in February 2000 to define and plan for this project. A statement of need with preliminary cost estimates was developed by that committee and presented to the Board in July 2000.

At its July 2000 meeting, the Board of Regents approved testing the viability of fundraising for this project in accordance with the Capital Projects Development Process approved by the Board in February 2000. This project was also contained in capital improvement information presented to the Board of Regents' Committee of the Whole at its meeting on January 27, 2001.

Student Fitness/Recreation Center In February 2000, a campus-wide Student Fitness Center Committee was formed to explore the need and feasibility of creating a student fitness center at Washburn. From information gathered at numerous meetings, from site visits, and from surveys, the committee believes there is a need for and interest in a new facility on campus. This facility would be primarily for student use with operational cost paid for by student fees. University employees could also use the facility by paying a membership fee. The center would be open for extended periods of time for open recreation and exercise. The intramural program and a wellness program for faculty and staff would also be encompassed in the plan. A few courses might be offered within the center, but only during low usage times.

The committee felt additional input would be needed to more clearly define the project and assist with site selection for the facility. As a result in October 2000, a contract was signed with Ken Ballard of Ballard*King and Associates after soliciting proposals from three consultants specializing in planning for fitness/recreation facilities on college campuses. The scope of work for this contract included: developing a project overview; a facilities evaluation and review; a site assessment; a facilities programming review; an operations assessment; and a written report.

Mr. Ballard delivered a draft report to the committee in January 2001, and the contents were shared with the Board of Regent's Committee of the Whole at its meeting on January 27, 2001. Since that time, the committee has discussed the report in detail and provided input to Mr. Ballard. A final report is to be issued by Ballard*King and Associates this month. There were several recommendations made by Mr. Ballard relative to the location of the facility, but the committee feels additional input from an architect will be needed to determine the final location.

DESCRIPTION:

Moore Bowl The structures that comprise Moore Bowl need to be upgraded to display an enhanced image of the University. The project envisioned will also enhance the safety of seating, stairs, concrete and asphalt pavements, and eliminate asbestos floor tiles. The improvements proposed for Moore Bowl will enhance student life and relationships with Washburn's students, faculty, staff, and the surrounding communities and provide possibilities for sports and activities in addition to football. The preliminary cost estimates for these improvements total $4 million.

The project includes a new press box, new priority club level seating, new open concourse seating, renovation of concession stands and restrooms, new entry gates and ticket plaza, relocating the existing trash compactor, improving landscaping, installing a new enclosure fence, new chair back seating, repairing and restructuring existing seating and stands, repairing and resurfacing existing concrete and asphalt walkways, and installing new flag poles. A new multi-turf field cover will enable the field to become a multi-purpose field hosting soccer as well as football.

Student Fitness/Recreation Center The recommended program for the new center takes into account the information gathered during the consultant's review of existing sports, recreation and fitness facilities on campus, the expressed needs of staff for amenities in the center, and the preliminary program developed by the Student Fitness Center Committee. The estimated cost totals $5 million and includes:

The center should strongly promote general student usage as well as intramurals, activity classes and wellness programming.

The facility should augment what is already present in both Whiting and Petro, as well as be complimentary to the Memorial Union.

Most student recreation centers while focusing on active recreation and fitness activities, also contain some passive use and social spaces as well.

The core building would consist of approximately 44,000 square feet and should contain the following elements:

Gymnasium a space that is approximately 15,000 square feet divisible into two or three gym areas by a drop curtain.

Weight/cardiovascular space an area of at least 4,000 square feet that includes free weights, selectorized machines, and cardiovascular equipment.

Running/jogging track a 10-12 foot wide elevated track that runs around the perimeter of the gym and other spaces that can be used for walking or jogging consisting of approximately 5,000 square feet.

Group exercise/dance room a space of approximately 2,000 square feet that can be used for fitness, dance or other class instruction. The room must have its own sound system and a floating wood floor.

Wellness center a space of approximately 1,500 square feet where wellness consultation, fitness testing and other activities can take place.

Lounge/lobby area an area of approximately 1,500 to 2,000 square feet that has round tables with seating. This space could also contain a large TV and pool or foosball tables.

Support space a space of approximately 7,000 square feet with sufficient space and resources allocated for a front desk, office space, equipment storage, locker rooms, maintenance areas and vending.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

Moore Bowl The $4 million in renovations for Moore Bowl are proposed to be funded from a combination of fundraising and special obligation revenue bonds issued in conjunction with Washburn Endowment Association and Shawnee County. The on-going operating costs will be funded from University Athletic general funds.

Student Fitness/Recreation Center The $5 million for construction of a new Student Fitness/Recreation Center is proposed to be funded from special obligation revenue bonds issued in conjunction with Washburn Endowment Association and Shawnee County. The on-going operating costs will be funded from the implementation of a $2 to $4 per credit hour student fee.

The special obligation revenue bonds issued for these projects will be repaid over a 20-year period at the rate of approximately $805,000 per year from the $850,000 being set aside annually in the Capital Improvement Fund.

RECOMMENDATION:

President Farley recommends the Board of Regents authorize the University to interview architects for the final design of the projects. A recommendation to approve an architect(s) for the projects will be brought to the Board in May 2001.

______________________________ _______________________________

Date Jerry B. Farley, President