RADFORD – A committee of staff and students has been formed to help plan a new on-campus state-of-the-art wellness and fitness center that Radford University hopes to open in 2011.

The committee was introduced Thursday afternoon at an open forum sponsored by the Student Government Association to discuss RU’s exercise facilities.

The committee is scheduling visits to study similar facilities at other universities and will submit its wish list of amenities to the RU administration in May, said Vice President of Student Affairs Norleen Pomerantz. After reviewing the committee’s research, the university will issue a request for proposals for the architectural and engineering work, Pomerantz said.

RU currently offers on-campus exercise facilities in Peters Hall and a newer one in Muse Hall, which was renovated in 2008 after a work-out area in the Dedmon Center was closed while the center underwent a major renovation. When Dedmon reopened in the fall, university officials decided to dedicate its usage primarily to the RU athletics program – a decision supported by RU’s head coaches, almost all of whom attended the forum. The exceptions are the Dedmon natatorium, which offers swim memberships to the general public, and the Cupp Stadium outdoor track.

Athletics Director Robert Lineburg noted that most Division I schools have a facility reserved exclusively for the training and conditioning of its student-athletes. “The competition at this level is incredible,” Lineburg said. “Having a space dedicated to our student-athletes is critical to our success.”

A quality athletics program, Lineburg said, can boost a university’s prestige, noting the national exposure Radford University recently received when the Highlander basketball team earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

Pomerantz told the 20 or so students who attended the forum that an indoor walking path has been added to Peters Hall and that Muse Hall is also being expanded to include a free-weight room that should open in April.

RU vice president Norleen Pomerantz speaks at Thursday's forum.