A host of dignitaries attended the grand reopening of the Jackson State University Recreation Complex on Monday, with Jackson Mayor Tony Yarber calling it an important way to “engage the community” in a healthy way.
Finding a way to promote health in the community can be difficult task, Yarber told about 100 people in attendance at the Walter Payton Center for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “This is how you do it!” he said.
The JSU Recreation Complex offers student, staff, alumni and community memberships, with special 1-month, 6-month and 1-year rates.
“Jackson State deserves kudos,” the mayor added. “We’re excited about your endeavor.”
JSU President Carolyn W. Meyers elicited cheers, saying, “It’s another great day to be a tiger!” The new complex was designed with meeting students’ needs in mind, she said.
“This generation is more health conscious” than when she was a college student, Meyers said. Students expect top-notch facilities.
The expanded recreational offerings make good business and financial sense, while offering a safe and secure environment for students to relax. It also fits the mandate of JSU being the state’s designated urban university, she said.
Jason Brookins, director of the Center for University Based Development, welcomed visitors to the Complex, offering tours of the new equipment and refurbished space, and along with Michael Thomas, vice president for Business and Finance, pointed out some of its main features.
The Payton Center was built in 2005, Thomas said, and had not been significantly upgraded. Now, it has a completely different look.
In addition, the Payton Center is now the hub of the expanded Recreation Complex that encompasses more than 100,000 square feet with state-of-the-art equipment and workout space. It includes facilities at the T.B. Ellis building next door, swimming pools, surrounding fields for track, and tennis courts.
The Complex includes:
— 3 court basketball gymnasium
— 3 lane pool with deep end access
— 4 fitness studios
— 3 racquetball courts
— 1 squash court
— A wellness suite
— Outside track and field
— 2 intramural fields
— 12 tennis courts
Now, 40 group fitness classes are offered per week, along with competitive sports, massage therapy, personal training and youth programs. Facilities include 18,000 square feet of cardio and weight training.
Premium fitness classes are available for more rigorous workouts. Physical wellness is emphasized with such offerings as Bootcamp, Advanced Yoga, and Pilates. Fitness consultations for a personalized program start at $25 per session.
Tiger Zone, a child care service, allows moms and dads to work out while their kids play games, watch movies, color, and play with new friends.
In addition, this summer, Camp Tiger Tails will be offered with a summer camp program of sports-related activities – including swimming every day.
Associate Provost for Student Affairs Dr. Charles Smith said it’s a perfect opportunity for faculty, staff and students to come together in a positive atmosphere, a place that’s relaxing for students and a place where athletes can reach higher heights.
Hours are also expanded with the complex open 361 days a year, closed only for maintenance and cleaning. Expanded hours include:
Monday – Thursday: 5 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Friday: 5 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturday: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
For more information, see: www.jsums.edu/paytoncenter or call 601-979-1368.