With a gym full of community members, staff and students, Waubonsee Community College celebrated the ceremonial groundbreaking of its new Field House at the college’s Sugar Grove Campus on Friday, Dec. 6. Held in Erickson Hall, the event featured speeches, interaction with student-athletes and coaches, and sports-related contests.
The new 59,000-square-foot Field House will support Waubonsee’s athletics program, credit and noncredit physical education and wellness instruction, and general recreation for students and the community.
“More than just a place to play or work out, this building will help us foster school pride, develop our students as well-rounded individuals, and contribute to the quality of life of the community,” said Waubonsee President Dr. Christine Sobek.
The primary feature of the new building is its three indoor courts. Two of these will utilize traditional athletic flooring, while the third will feature artificial turf to accommodate soccer, baseball and softball practices.
Second floor highlights include a three-lane suspended running track, along with a 2,500-square-foot fitness/dance studio that comes complete with its own audio system.
The Field House will be attached to the east side of Erickson Hall, with a new main entrance and lobby providing access to both buildings. As part of the $19-million project, Erickson Hall will also undergo renovation, including the expansion and upgrade of a dedicated athletic team workout room, improved locker rooms, and a remodeled athletic study hall room.
“It will be such a wonderful opportunity for our athletes to have first-class facilities where they can practice, train and condition,” said Waubonsee Athletic Manager Dave Randall. “Plus, with the new space, we’ll be able to have multiple teams practicing at the same time.”
Designed by Cordogan, Clark & Associates, the Field House is expected to open in early 2015.
This building is the final construction project undertaken as part of Waubonsee’s 2020 College Master Plan, which provides the roadmap for the college to meet the growing demand for education locally. Other completed 2020 projects have included four new buildings at the Sugar Grove Campus, a new campus in Plano and a new downtown Aurora Campus. Voters in the district overwhelmingly expressed their support of these projects through successful passage of college referenda in 2002 and 2003.
