FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 9, 2008

Contact: K.E. Schwab  

724.738.2199

 karl.schwab@sru.edu

SRU breaks ground for $1.3 million intramural field upgrade      

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Slippery Rock University will officially break ground for a $1.3 million development of 12 acres of University land to be used for intramural sports activities. The public groundbreaking marking construction of the intramural sports complex is at noon Monday on the fields located at the corner of Harmony and Branchton roads on the eastern edge of campus.

          “For the past 30 to 35 years, these were just basically open fields the University mowed and then used for intramural sports games. Now, they are being converted into regulation recreation sports fields for students use,” said Greg Sferra, director of campus recreation and project leader.

          Monday’s groundbreaking (inside the Robert N. Aebersold Student Recreation Center in the event of rain) will include remarks from Robert Smith, SRU president; Constance Foley, vice president of student life; Wes and Ann Bonadio, campus recreation student interns; Robert Rhoads, coordinator of intramural sports; and Sferra. The ceremony is open to the public. A reception will follow in the recreation center.

          The project, paid for by campus recreation, includes creation of four, multi-purpose recreation sports fields that will primarily be used for flag football, soccer and Ultimate Frisbee. There will also be two softball fields. Four of the six fields will have lighting for evening and night games.

          “We see more than 4,500 students participate in intramurals each year,” Sferra said. “We average 65 flag football teams, 30-35 soccer teams and the same number of Ultimate Frisbee teams. In addition there are usually 50 to 80 softball teams.”

          Plans also call for construction of a facility for concessions, storage and restrooms.

          The complex will also include the new walkway path being constructed along the eastern edge of the fields. The walk/jog path is being paid for through a state grant. 

          Construction is expected to be completed by December, with fencing installed next spring as grass grows on the fields making them ready for fall semester intramural sports, Sferra said.

Slippery Rock University is Pennsylvania’s premier public residential university. Slippery Rock University provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities that make a positive difference in their lives.