The long-awaited Health and Wellness Center finally opened August 13 after months of delays spawned by problems with everything from permits to construction workers. Now, though, GW administrators should be applauded for providing students with a first-rate athletic facility to combat the dreaded “freshman 15” and the often unhealthy habits of college life.
The new building is chock full of state-of-the-art equipment, two basketball gyms, racquetball courts with better air circulation, a weight room with much more space and a laundry list of other improvements.
Despite problems with the swimming, athletic department officials were right to open the building before some last minute details were complete. Students appreciate using the Health and Wellness Center as classes start rather than waiting for completion of cosmetic improvements.
The Health and Wellness Center is a new start for athletics at GW. By giving varsity athletes the Smith Center, the University is allocating its resources responsibly. Hopefully, this improvement will translate into more winning teams. And now that the facilities are no longer overcrowded, perhaps athletic department employees will find time to display a bit more courtesy.