Students may have noticed the newly furnished floor in the Student Recreational Center (SRC) which was fully covered by the $1 student recreation fee SGA passed in spring 2012.

“We allocated an extra dollar to go into the overall budget of the SRC, which produces approximately $ 134,000,” said Will Riley, SGA president.

The gym floor is refurnished annually, but the process took longer this year because a deep refurbishment was required as the gym hit its 10th year of operation. The floor was installed over a two-week period during the winter holidays with the acquired funds from the student recreational fee.

“Everything we do over here comes from that fee,” said Jim Eubanks, SRC director.

In addition to installing the new floor, Eubanks also ordered a TRX suspension training machine with the rubber flooring and training rope required for the machine on the second floor to be installed later in February. All of the equipment for the Outdoor Adventure Center was also replaced.

“Mr. Eubanks was tasked to give the SGA a report at the end of every academic year to see where our additional dollar has been used,” Riley said. “I trust Mr. Eubanks and his staff to strategically utilize the additional funds to enhance the appearance at the Rec Center.”

The total cost of the new equipment and floor was $120,000. To break it down, the TRX machine with the additional equipment required for its assembly was $9,935, the Outdoor Adventure Center equipment cost $4,100 and the gym floor refurbishment cost $26, 613. Remaining funds went toward some club sports, like the newly formed UNA rugby team.

“I wouldn’t have been able to do all this with the money we would have usually received,” Eubanks said.

Despite former SGA President Ralph Akalonu’s support, the student recreational fee was questioned by many delegates of UPC and Senate last spring. Delegates were concerned the money could have been put to better use in other areas of campus.

“I am happy to see that the previously passed bill has provided the SRC with renovating opportunities; however, I still feel that the money could have been better allocated in other areas on campus,” said Mary-Francis Wilson, student senator.

Student recreational users, intramural athletes and student staff at the SRC seem as pleased as Eubanks with the new additions, however.

“I think it was worth it,” said UNA student Johnathan Newsome. “It didn’t affect the students much financially, and the sight of new equipment also creates slightly more incentive to go the SRC.”