Students who have become accustomed to the view of construction when they drive on campus will be treated to the view of a newly renovated building by the time next semester opens.

The new Leslie C. Quick, Jr. Recreation Complex, the reconstruction of which was announced in 2014, will finally be ready for student use when the new semester begins in September.

Associate Vice President for Facilities Management David Frassinelli attributes the on-time completion to an excellent team involved with the project.

“99% of the credit for a successful job goes to the team at Student Affairs, Karen Donoghue, Tom Pellegrino, John Paladino and Phil Palumbo,” Frassinelli commented. “We cannot build the facility if we don’t have a good and concise program that is specific to Fairfield University.”

“Karen [Donoghue] and her team defined that program and led the process for the selection of the equipment and the layout of the spaces,” Frassinelli continued. “They also received strong support from the university’s Purchasing Department.”

Frassinelli, who was involved with the project from beginning to end, explained that the new RecPlex will include some improvements such as several multipurpose rooms, new locker rooms and new weight/fitness and cardio spaces.

Due to these improvements, Frassinelli believes that the student response will be overwhelmingly positive.

“The project represents a complete makeover of the facility as opposed to a simple addition,” Frassinelli said.

Students themselves are also eagerly anticipating the new RecPlex.

“Having a place where students, faculty, staff and community members are able to cultivate their minds and bodies shows how much Fairfield University cares for our wellbeing,” said Dulce Villanueva ’18.

“I am certain that all my peers will make the best use of the installations as a de-stress method and also a place to have fun,” continued Villanueva.

Since construction began on the RecPlex, students have either had to work out in the basement of Alumni Hall or find alternative work out methods. The StagBus has added The Edge Fitness Club to its usual stops and various fitness classes were held in Faber Hall.

Villanueva, who worked out in Alumni Hall, believed that the space was not ideal, but was happy for having somewhere to work out.

“The space and equipment were limited. But I am thankful that the school still provided a space for the students to do physical activities,” said Villanueva. “Also, I greatly enjoyed all the fitness classes available. My favorite class was Zumba with Jillian.”

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-- Junior | Co-News Editor -- English: Education

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