EDITORIAL: At long last: plans for rec. facilities

The short-term plans are impressive, the larger-scale improvements require commitment. The extensive renovations to Gimbel Gymnasium, scheduled to be completed by the fall, will provide a desperately-needed -- though admittedly band-aid-like -- answer to the University's long-acknowledged lack of sufficient facilities. The timetable, if kept to, is impressive. And the $1.2 million price tag seems reasonable. We are more concerned, however, about the possibility that the long-term plans -- which could include an indoor track, racquetball courts, a sport climing wall and a new competitive swimming pool -- will languish while the University waits for the fate of the postal lands to be decided. The administration must commit to maintaining recreation space as a priority. And if the postal lands don't come through, they should consider seriously the suggestions to tear down either or both the Levy Tennis Pavilion and the Class of 1923 Ice Rink on the east side of campus. Of further concern is that, when it comes down to it, we don't really know any more now than we did when Brailsford & Dunlavey began its review of the University's recreational facilities. For years, students have been saying that additional recreation space is needed. And the University has had its eye on property to the east for equally as long. This issue has shown, once again, that consultant reports may be more costly than they're worth. Of course, it is important that there be some gauge of specific students wants. But these could have been measured by hiring a polling company -- or even enlisting the help of the Undergraduate Assembly. With projects as costly as an overhaul of recreation facilities, it is important that decisions are considered carefully. Keeping this in mind, improvements many of us will see during our time at the University are all-the-more appreciated. But commitment to large plans is equally important.