Jackson State University is holding a grand reopening of its Recreational Complex at the Payton Center at 2 p.m. Monday.
Attending will be JSU President Carolyn W. Meyers, Jackson Mayor Tony Yarber and Eddie Payton, JSU golf coach, former pro football player, JSU alumnus and brother of the late Walter Payton. The public is invited to this free event.
The reopening includes announcement of the expansion and renaming of the complex to reflect a new primary focus on recreation and increased emphasis on fitness and health, according to Jennifer Probert, the Complex’s senior assistant director of marketing and membership.
JSU is investing in expanding its recreational offerings to students because studies have shown that behind sports, recreational facilities are the No. 2 student recruitment tool, she said.
The JSU Recreation Complex, as it will be called, includes the Walter Payton Center, the TB Ellis facility (and swimming pool to be opened summer, 2015), tennis courts and the track and field area.
The Payton Center was named for legendary football star Walter Payton, an All American at JSU who rushed for 65 touchdowns, called one of the most prolific running backs in the history of the National Football League.
The expanded JSU Recreation Complex encompasses more than 100,000 square feet with state-of-the-art equipment and workout space. Offerings are enlarged, as well, including group fitness classes increasing from six to 30, Probert said. Hours will be expanded with the complex open 361 days a year, closed only for maintenance and cleaning.
The classes include premium fitness instruction for those want advanced, intense workouts and train at a higher level, Probert said. All staff members are certified fitness instructors trained in first aid and CPR.
Memberships are offered for students, staff, faculty, community members and state employees.
Highlighed at the grand reopening:
— Membership Specials
— Cardio Equipment
— New Free Weights
— Facility Tours
— Fitness Demos
— Wellness Programs & Services
— Day Camp Program
— Special Events for all of the community
For more information, contact Probert at601-979-1648.