La Sierra athletics gets upgrade with new fitness center, gym flooring

 

RIVERSIDE, Calif. -- Lined on one side with large windows overlooking its beautiful grounds, La Sierra University’s new, 5,000-square-foot fitness center offers student-athletes, campus and community members a modern, dedicated space in which to exercise.

<p> La Sierra University Chief Financial Officer David Geriguis leads the grand opening ceremony on Nov. 30 for the university's new fitness center. </p>

La Sierra University Chief Financial Officer David Geriguis leads the grand opening ceremony on Nov. 30 for the university's new fitness center.

<p> La Sierra University Interim President Richard Osborn addresses the audience during grand opening festivities for the university's fitness center. </p>

La Sierra University Interim President Richard Osborn addresses the audience during grand opening festivities for the university's fitness center.

<p> Rob Thomas, Health &amp; Exercise Science program professor tours the campus' new fitness center on Nov. 30 while a basketball game airs on a television monitor in the background. </p>

Rob Thomas, Health & Exercise Science program professor tours the campus' new fitness center on Nov. 30 while a basketball game airs on a television monitor in the background.

<p> Left to right, Paul Morrisey, physical plant director, a Swinerton representative, student life vice president Marjorie Robinson, athletics director Javier Krumm, interim university president Richard Osborn, chief financial officer David Geriguis, Rob Thomas, Health &amp; Exercise Science professor, and Kimberly Feiler, Health &amp; Exercise Science chair. </p>

Left to right, Paul Morrisey, physical plant director, a Swinerton representative, student life vice president Marjorie Robinson, athletics director Javier Krumm, interim university president Richard Osborn, chief financial officer David Geriguis, Rob Thomas, Health & Exercise Science professor, and Kimberly Feiler, Health & Exercise Science chair.

<p> La Sierra University Athletics Director Javier Krumm poses inside the new fitness center during the grand opening celebration. </p>

La Sierra University Athletics Director Javier Krumm poses inside the new fitness center during the grand opening celebration.

<p> University officials led by La Sierra University Provost April Summitt celebrate the athletics department's new gym floor with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Sept. 29. (Photos: Eric Cendejas) </p>

University officials led by La Sierra University Provost April Summitt celebrate the athletics department's new gym floor with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Sept. 29. (Photos: Eric Cendejas)

The facility opened for use during the first week of school this fall quarter. On Nov. 30, university, athletics, and health and exercise science leaders celebrated the new facility with an official grand opening event. The festivities followed an earlier ribbon cutting ceremony for the athletics department’s new gym floor in the Alumni Pavilion, a long-awaited upgrade which eliminates dead spots on the floor’s surface due to compression of the underlying shock-absorbing pad. The new floor, which took 11 weeks to complete, is constructed of top-rated, 3/4 inch first grade hardwood maple.

“The construction of a new fitness center and the replacement of our gym floor are important steps in aligning our athletics department with the overarching goal of fostering student and community development,” said La Sierra University Athletics Director Javier Krumm. “The new facilities will not only help the physical well-being of our students, but also provide a conducive environment for mental and social enrichment, reinforcing our dedication to a well-rounded educational experience.”

An image of the new La Sierra University Fitness Center provide by NAC Architecture. (Image/photo: Michael Wells)

The fitness center was built by Swinerton and designed by NAC Architecture, a West Coast-based firm that specializes in designing environments for the education and healthcare industries and other sectors. In addition to its picture windows that provide peaceful views of towering palms, pines, flowering shrubbery, and other flora and fauna, La Sierra’s fitness center features large screen television monitors where exercisers can view sports broadcasts and stock market activity. The space was designed and setup for use around La Sierra’s Health and Exercise Science classes. The athletics department also purchased several new items for the center including new treadmills, elliptical trainers, dumbbells, and new weight benches. 

“The construction of a new fitness center and the replacement of our gym floor are important steps in aligning our athletics department with the overarching goal of fostering student and community development.” -- Javier Krumm, Athletics Director

Funding for the construction of the new center derived from university debt refinancing in 2019 that secured an additional $3 million at low interest rates. Because the funding was tax-exempt, it needed to be used on a capital project. A campus-wide poll was conducted and an overwhelming majority of respondents voted that the funds should be used to construct a new fitness center.

The La Sierra University Board of Trustees voted to approve the project and authorized an additional $1 million in order to build the 5,000-square-foot building.

“It is very gratifying to drive on Heritage Way at night and see through the lit windows the energy and excitement of students exercising and enjoying this new facility,” said La Sierra University Chief Financial Officer David Geriguis.

The La Sierra University Fitness Center is open for use by community members who may purchase passes to the facility. A local Riverside fire station also regularly uses the center as a training site for its firefighters.

“The new fitness center is a great addition to the university’s campus,” said senior marketing and Art+Design major Aaron Desjardins. “It’s nice and spacious and the natural light is definitely a plus. I use it three to four times a week and it’s always an enjoyable experience.”

“At the core of our educational philosophy is the promotion of integral development for our students, encompassing physical, mental, social, and spiritual facets of growth,” said Krumm. “La Sierra University Athletics looks forward to the positive impact these improvements will have on our campus, contributing to the overall flourishing of our students and the surrounding community."

Photos of the new floor ceremony and national anthem for the following volleyball game. (Photos: Eric Cendejas)

Following are images of the new La Sierra University Fitness Center provide by NAC Architecture. (Images/photos: Michael Wells)

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