Published: December 21, 2007 12:39 am      

Gibson Hall addition studied

Possible expansion of game room, fitness center

Navarro College trustees gave the go ahead Thursday for the preparation of architectural drawings of a proposed expansion of the college’s game room and fitness center on the Corsicana campus.

Dr. Richard Sanchez, college district president, had asked trustees to consider the expansion in previous meetings, along with an addition to the residence hall laundry facility. The laundry facility was struck from the request at Thursday’s meeting because a vendor working with the college had upgraded equipment in the laundry that will meet the present needs of the campus.

The game room expansion would cost an estimated $500,000, according to figures presented to the board by Darrell Raines, vice-president of finance and administration. However, the college would not incur any additional debt if the project is approved. Raines said the addition would be paid for with money from the Auxiliary fund, which showed an ending balance of just over $2.2 million from the previous year.

Residence Life director Charles Betts told trustees the expansion was needed to provide a safe place for students to go after classes.

“It is always congested, full of students all the time,” Betts said. “It’s a big spot where students hang out.” Betts added the center provides an alternative for students to spend their time “instead of going out in the community and getting in trouble ... it gives them a positive environment to go to.”

“If you try to corral a bunch of kids and don’t have any place for them to go, you’ve got trouble,” remarked Homer Wasson, board chairman.

Betts added that prospective students look at available recreational facilities at college campuses when making their choice of a college.

Plans will be brought back to college trustees for their review before approving the project to go forward.

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Bob Belcher may be reached via e-mail at belcher@corsicanadailysun.com.