Remember when Yates Field House was hot and poorly lit, with outdated machines and uneven flooring? Thankfully, as a result of recently completed renovations, those days are behind us. We commend the University and, above all, the directors of Yates for creating an up-to-date exercise facility.
The first major step of the renovation came to fruition in April 2003, when a long-awaited and much needed air-conditioning system was installed. Repairs continued throughout the 2003-04 year, most notably in the form of repairs to the leaky roof. According to Assistant Director of Yates Steve Lang, the second phase of the renovation, which included painting, flooring replacement and a change in the overall layout, had been planned for six months before being completed in August 2004.
Lang said that he and other staff members visited several other similar facilities to determine the best way to improve Yates.
Once permission was granted to replace the floor and rearrange the equipment, it was determined that if the changes were not made in August, they would have to wait another year.
“Over nine days we moved all the equipment, tore up the old floor and prepped, Lang said. “We hired a company to install the new floor, but [the Yates staff] pitched in to get it done on time.”
In addition to the new floor, the equipment was rearranged to allow a more logical workout. The free-weights were moved to what had been a volleyball court, and all the cardio equipment is now concentrated in the area next to the basketball courts. The new layout allows the staff to better gauge machine usage, which is important when deciding which machines to purchase or replace.
Lang said that plans include continuing improvements to Yates, isuch as the installation of mirrors in the free-weights area scheduled for the end of this week. Directors also hope to install several more television sets by the cardio machines.
The repairs to Yates should be much appreciated by students, as should the dedication of the employees who worked to make them a reality. The only problem for students now is that there’s no excuse not to go.
