Students vote approval for rec and health center

MSU students went online Feb. 16 and 17 to vote "yes" for a new recreation and Vinson health center. The 82 percent of student approval also gave the go-ahead for letting students pay for it with student fees.

The facility could cost students up to $130 per semester although the fee won't be implemented until spring 2007.

The $14-$19 million center will be located adjacent to Sikes Lake and will house a rock-climbing wall, an indoor elevated walking/running track, racquetball and basketball courts and a state-of-the-art weight and cardio facility. An outdoor heated recreational aquatic center, outdoor hot tub and outdoor sand volleyball and basketball courts are also part of the plan.

The students also approved a relocation of the Vinson Health Center to the new facility. The additional square footage will allow room for a second physician on campus.

The plan must now be approved by the Board of Regents. The university must file paperwork with the Legislature for the bond issue.