As established student leaders, members of the Association of Student-Athletes seek to prioritize the well-being of our peers by advocating for spaces and resources that enhance the student experience here at Goshen College. This Thursday, Feb. 13, ASA leadership will join with Student Senate leadership in a vital meeting to discuss potential renovations to the Recreation-Fitness Center, which is a hub for many students who rely on this facility for not only physical activity, but social engagement as well. 

To begin this conversation, I think that it is important to reflect on the importance of these renovations to not only the student-athletes who depend on the RFC for their academic and athletic pursuits, but also for the community of Goshen as a whole and the joy that this facility brings to its members.

The RFC, originally built in 1955, is long overdue for a renovation that meets the needs of current members who attend this facility. Over the years, the RFC has been a cornerstone of campus life, from providing basic fitness services to being home to different sports teams, including intramural sports and other physical activities. The newest renovation from the original structure in 1955 was the transformation of the turf room area, which was converted from a pool space in the 2012-2013 school year. (This doesn’t include the structure that was placed as an archway going to our outside facilities in 2016 for the renaming of the John Ingold complex.) 

In recent years, several buildings on the GC campus have undergone facelifts and renovations. However, the RFC has yet to receive the attention that it desperately needs, making this meeting particularly exciting. For instance, the Union building was renovated in 2019-2020, something President Becky Stoltzfus accomplished in her first 18 months. Additionally, in 2020 the Center for Communication Studies in Newcomer was renovated, along with the most recent renovations on campus, the Westlawn dining hall and nursing department revamp. The long-awaited renovation of the RFC will be added to the growing list of President Stoltzfus’s many services to provide the members of GC with a beautiful campus.

A big part of the conversation surrounding the RFC renovations lies in how the funding will be allocated. Since the RFC hasn’t had a big renovation since 2013, an upgrade is needed to address the increasing demand for fitness resources. 

Outdated facilities have the potential to hinder not only fitness opportunities, but also student-athlete training environments. With increasing numbers of students participating in fitness and recreational activities, the need for modern equipment and improved accessibility is urgent. Areas for improvement may include the out-of-commission elevator, which limits access for individuals with mobility challenges, and the unfinished pathway to the outdoor facilities which creates obstacles for those trying to utilize these spaces. Addressing these issues would ensure that all members could fully participate in the recreational opportunities that Goshen has to offer.  It is exciting to see that our school is taking the initiative to provide our students with these resources.

This meeting is a very important discussion for the ASA because our goal lies in the idea that health and wellness should be a priority for everybody on campus. We are dedicated to supporting the athletic community by also recognizing that prioritizing fitness is not just for athletes, but for all students, regardless of background or future goals. 

Over the past four years of being a part of the ASA, we have continually advocated for increased resources and improvements to ensure that the students who rely on these spaces have the tools they need to thrive. With that being said, the ASA advocates for the idea that fitness resources should be prioritized in the same way that other campus spaces have been updated over the years.

Furthermore, we recognize that significant changes have taken place across various areas on campus. Through this discussion we see that campus priorities are evolving to reflect the needs of the students, sending the message that our campus values the voices of the students and is committed to listening to our insight.

This meeting on Thursday presents a crucial moment for us as student leaders. Not only does it give us the opportunity to address the immediate needs of the athletes, but also allows us to advocate for a vision of fitness accessibility and equality. The ASA does not simply want a better RFC for the athletes; we want a better RFC for everyone who calls this campus home. For the sake of our entire student body, we must prioritize renovations that put the students’ needs first.