Minnesota State University Reporter

Issue date: 1/17/08 Section: Campus News

Students looking for available space for late-night games of softball or flag football may have something to look forward to, as an outdoor recreational facility is in the works at Minnesota State.

In a university effort to update the current softball fields and outdoor track, a proposal has been pitched for a facility that would include field improvements for softball, flag football, rugby, lacrosse and soccer fields.

"The biggest benefit is safety," said Todd Pfingsten, Director of Campus Recreation.

Pfingsten explained how the field conditions right now are not ideal, and that someone could be playing softball in one field, but have to worry about balls flying over from the adjacent field. Also, the tureen of the fields have seen wear-and-tear from years past, causing concerns for potential accidents.

According to the proposal, the facility will address those relatively poor and unsafe conditions of the current outdoor fields as well as help to embody a safe and healthy community by demonstrating an active and vibrant campus.

The new facility would also potentially create more space for students to participate in outdoor activities, especially at night when students are most available.

A new outdoor facility could free up considerable amount of time devoted to varsity athletes and club teams, which monopolize the time offered at Myers Field House, allowing other users of the facility to have more time to a better quality facility, according to the proposal.

"It means a lot more access and opportunity," Pfingsten said. "Students can play under lights in the evenings."

With this plan, however, comes more student fees. Last April, a campus recreation proposal consisting of two different plans for improvements to outdoor facilities was voted against by more than 50 percent of the 3,000-plus students who voted, begging the question of whether students are now willing to pay this new fee. About 42 percent voted in favor.

"I agree with it on the condition they do it for everything else," said Justin Erickson, a creative writing major.

He added it's unfair that university athletics receive so much attention and funding while intellectual endeavors are ignored, "like when the Blue Earth Review funding was cut," he said.

Even junior linebacker Blake Freese agreed non-athletic students might not want to pay the fee.

"Considering what we pay for everything else, it's not that big," he said. "But for someone who wouldn't use it, I can't see why they want to pay for it."

"For younger classman it will give them more facilities to use. Soccer players, quarterbacks and wide receivers and other athletes are jam packed in the field house," he said.

Carly Peterson, a junior on the MSU women's soccer team, said she thinks it would make a good addition to the university.

"I voted for it [outdoor recreation proposal] last year. It would be a good addition to the school," she said. "I think it's worth it in the long run; a small price to pay for future students."

At this point, the amount and definite use of the proposed fee have yet to be decided.

"At this point we're still thinking about how much the fee will be," said Chris Frederick, President of Minnesota State Student Association. "There is not a concrete number set."

Frederick said there will be a March board meeting to further determine the finer details, but an absolute maximum number could include up to $80 per semester.

Along with the amount of the fee, it remains undecided what will be upgraded.

"Students are still very involved in the process," Frederick said. "What students want and what they don't want is where we're at."

These improvements are part of what President Richard Davenport declared as his master plan, which include other beautification efforts such as the Trafton Science Center and increasing university enrollment.

Leah Christensen is a Reporter staff writer

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