The citizens of Northwest Wisconsin request that the legislature support the State Building Commission in allocating funds in the next biennial budget for remodeling and construction an addition to the Gates Physical Education Building at the University of Wisconsin-Superior.
The State Building Commission allocated planning dollars toward a building addition and for renovating the Gates Physical Education Building in its 1999-2001 budget. As the planning commences, the people of Northwest Wisconsin continue to learn what great value the facility enhancements will have on the region. In essence, a health and wellness center addition combined with extensive building remodeling will support the current and future needs of a vibrant, healthy citizenry.
At University of Wisconsin-Superior, the addition/renovation to the Gates Physical Education Building is the top campus construction/renovation priority. This facility would enhance student learning, improve community health, provide space for recreation, and would be the first new building on campus in 30 years. UW-Superior students have already agreed to fund $1 million of the project. Friends of the institution are stepping forward to contribute private funds toward the facility’s planning, construction, and equipment, and to establish a maintenance endowment. What remains is the state’s commitment to the construction phase.
Each semester more than half of all UW-Superior students enroll in health and human performance courses. There isn’t enough space in the Gates Physical Education Building to accommodate them. Even required wellness classes must be taught in other facilities. Additionally, Gates cannot handle the demand for a variety of need for physical training, athletic training, and campus and community recreation. This limits the University’s ability to serve students and the community.
Renovating the existing space and building the addition must be done. Please support funding the construction and renovation projects.