In the grand opening speech of the new recreation center, it was stated that the building was created by the students and for the students. The building was created to allow students more space to workout as the old gym was tiny and always crammed. So why shouldn’t the students who use this facility be given a say in what type of equipment and machines are put in it?

As someone who goes to the gym almost every day, it was clear that we needed more power racks for the old gym. At some points in the old gym, students would wait longer than 30 minutes to get a rack. Now only two more power racks were put in this new facility for a total of 12. And this may be because the new gym has just opened, but at any single given time of day, almost all, if not, all power racks are being used.

I would suggest removing or moving the cardio equipment on the ground floor next to the cable machines to a different area. This would allow space for more power racks and free weights.

It is clear what needs to be done. This petition may not do anything, but it is a start to make our voices heard. I know of many other passionate users of the rec center who feel the same. Our voices need to be heard: we need change.