Break out those running shoes. Take the 'Taebo' and '8-Minute Abs' instructional video tapes off the shelf. You are going to want to be ready for this.

On January 4, 2005 UD students are going to be treated to the opening of one of the most impressive collegiate student recreation facilities in the country.

The RecPlex, as it has been so cleverly called (short for recreational complex) is slated to open the first day of the second semester when students return to campus after winter break. And what an opening it will be. The facility is nearly complete, with all major construction near completion.

The main entrance, located on the building's west side along Evanston, offers a beautiful entrance, fitting a building of this grandeur. That really is the only way to describe this $25.3 million project'grand.

Students are welcomed into it by a towering center corridor that is the main artery for foot traffic in the facility.

All major spaces of the complex can be viewed from this central location. An impressive view of the pool and the larger of the two gyms are offered as well.

The wonderful lighting and sense of openness are immediately noticed, a complete change from the gloomy, closed feeling offered by the PAC. There is an energy about the place from the first moment you step through the front doors.

A center staircase, which is open and airy from top to bottom, serves as the main path for moving between floors.

Regardless of what space you find yourself in, you can see to almost any other in the facility. This was a major goal in the design and construction, to create a sense of space and comfort so that students would want to be here.

This is perhaps more profound a concept than many realize. The overall success of student recreation centers depends upon this.

In order for recreation centers to be successful and beneficial, students need to want to be there. The students of UD will want to be at the RecPlex, more so than perhaps anywhere else on campus.

The large price tag, however, had some questioning whether or not the money could be better used elsewhere.

Beth Keyes, UD Executive Director of Facilities Management, believes the money was indeed well spent.

'Survey responses from existing students, alumni and potential students all listed a new Physical Activities Center as UD's biggest facility need,' said Keyes.

In fact, almost three PACs could fit inside of the RecPlex. The PAC will have been open nearly 30 years to the day when the RecPlex opens its doors and has begun to show its age.

It opened on Jan. 26, 1976 for a cost of around $1.3 million. Interestingly, $451,000 was spent on workout equipment alone for the 10,000 square-foot workout space in the RecPlex, nearly a third of the entire budget for the PAC. Oh, how things change.

The construction of the RecPlex follows a nationwide trend in college campus construction, with many schools focusing on the improvement of the physical health of students. The RecPlex will undoubtedly spur more physical activity among the UD community for the simple fact of having a better place to workout.

Keyes agrees.

'The RecPlex is a state of the art facility comparable to any other new campus physical activities center in terms of amenities,' she said. 'The size of this facility was programmed for our student body size, and our climate. I believe it is a perfect fit for UD.'

Not only will it serve as a great tool in improving student health, but its completion will also add to an impressive list of new construction to attract new, bright students to UD.

Construction, however, did not happen without its share of bad luck.

One of the largest and most expensive misfortunes was an incident involving the pool. With the construction of the roof not yet complete, a severe rainstorm during the month of July flooded several parts of campus, including portions of the RecPlex.

Rain flowed from higher parts of the facility and drained into its lowest part, the pool area. The deck had yet to be installed, so water poured underneath the pool, physically lifting and disturbing it from its finished state. When the water had receded, the pool settled improperly, resulting in the need for it to be completely replaced.

Out of anyone's control, this misfortune caused several delays and headaches.

The majority of the cost to build this facility was raised by means of an increase in student fees. In other words, you paid for it, it is yours to enjoy. So start moving and get yourself in shape!

Whether you are a freshman or a senior with only a semester left, you will not want a minute to go to waste in this incredible facility.

On Friday, Jan. 6, 2006, at 2:00 p.m. there will be a dedication and blessing ceremony. More details on this event will be available in the coming months.