"With our New Fitness center I can confidently and proudly say that FPU meets the needs of students on the academic level through our superior class standards, the emotional and spiritual level through our Christ-centered values, and now physically with a facility that enables students to pursue a healthy lifestyle,"
said Rachel Eng, the student speaker at the March 1 grand opening ceremony.
The Fitness Center is located on the north end of the Special Events Center, in the former weight room and racquetball court areas. The 3,200-square-foot space features cardio equipment including treadmills, elliptical machines and cycles; strength equipment featuring pneumatic (air) and free weight resistance for both traditional and functional-movement training; and body-weight exercise equipment. Open floor spaces allow for training flexibility, and amenities include flooring and music/TV entertainment.
Thanks to the many who made the Fitness Center possible came from Pete C. Menjares, FPU President; Don Diboll, associate professor of kinesiology; Barry Lockton, facilities director; Nicole Linder, major gifts director; John Thiesen, FPU board chair; and Dennis Janzen, athletics director. Donors, board members and others were noted for their hard work and generosity, including $100,000 from the Associated Students of Fresno Pacific University and a gift from the graduating class of 2012.
Completed in late February, the center was built by Target Constructors, Inc., Madera, with local subcontractors. The architects were RDT Architecture & Interior Design, Inc., Fresno. Most of the equipment is from Keiser Corporation and was manufactured in Fresno. Diboll serves as center director, and the staff is made up of students majoring in kinesiology.
With so much teamwork involved in the success of the project, the center is more than a place to exercise, said Eng, student body vice president, kinesiology major and student athlete. "It should be remembered as a symbol of unity. We need to recognize our Fitness Center as a time of collaboration where alumni, community members and the various facets of Fresno Pacific united to create this facility that will benefit our FPU family not only today, but for many years to come," she said.
The grand opening closed with tours of the Fitness Center and demonstrations of the equipment. Tours were also available of the Commuter Lounge in nearby East Hall, which opened December 7.