UNC Asheville has been authorized by the state to borrow approximately $990,000 to make needed capital improvements.
At UNC Asheville the funding will be used to improve learning and living conditions for students, with $550,000 designated for the completion of the Karl Straus Track Building and $440,000 invested in improvements to the Student Recreation Center, including renovations of the current locker rooms, the addition of a gender-neutral locker room and resurfacing the floors of the multipurpose courts. The projects are expected to begin in early fall 2014.
“These projects will allow UNC Asheville to make needed improvements in our recreation facilities, providing a better experience for our students and community members who use these facilities,” said John Pierce, vice chancellor for finance and campus operations.
The projects will be financed by special-obligation bonds, to be repaid by a $27 student debt service fee that has been approved by the UNC Asheville Board of Trustees and the UNC Board of Governors.
The Karl Straus Track serves as the training and competition facility for the UNC Asheville men’s and women’s track and field programs. With the renovation of the track and field facility to NCAA/IAAF standards, UNC Asheville will be able to host intercollegiate and community track meets.
The Student Recreation Center accommodates varying types of recreational activities accessible to students, faculty, staff, and eligible members with a valid OneCard or Recreation Pass. The facility includes a pool, indoor track, racquetball courts and multipurpose courts that may be sectioned off to allow multiple events to occur simultaneously.