Scripps New Recreation Center in the Works

By Kimberly Manning
Staff Writer

The empty lot next to the Scripps swimming pool, on the east of Scripps, is destined for greater things according to James Manifold, Vice President of Business Affairs and Treasurer for Scripps College. The site is to be the location of a new 23,000 square foot, four-story recreation and athletic facility including a NCAA women’s lacrosse field, and underground parking garage.

This project is Phase 2 of Scripps' “Athletic Zone”, which includes the Scripps pool and a to-be-designed full-sized gymnasium. Currently Scripps College has only a very small temporary exercise room and gym. Scripps students must go to other campuses to engage in most exercise activities.

The plans for the new building call for aerobics, yoga, weightlifting and cardiovascular machine rooms; team, conference, and locker rooms; and a porch running along the south side of the second floor overlooking the pool.
The lacrosse field will be located behind the athletic center. Tucked underneath will be a parking garage yielding 74 much-needed new parking spaces. The garage will be open on three sides for ventilation and safety. There will also be a student parking lot to the north of the athletic center with 58 parking spaces.

The design has been approved by Scripps' trustees, and President Nancy Bekavac has given the Scripps Development Office the green light to develop fund raising strategies. The project is estimated to cost $10 million. Treasurer Manifold says he feels confident that the college can raise the money for the center and field, but may have to borrow for the parking garage.

It will only take 12-18 months for the building, field and garage to be constructed once the money has been raised. The architectural firm Moules & Polyzoides designed the new center. They have worked for the Claremont Colleges, rehabilitating Scripps' Balch Hall, developing Pomona's Strategic Master Plan, and designing Pomona's Lyon dorm.