Cianna Hope Reeves
Editor-in-Chief
Upgrades may sound like a celebratory moment, but not for all.
In light of a recent announcement that a portion of the Walter Payton Center would transform into a facility for student-athletes, it initiated questions of concern.
The 95,000-square foot complex began the construction phase of what would soon improve the educational and fitness development of current and incoming athletes.
In effort to maximize the use of the 95,000 square foot facility, the University agreed to remodel the center to accommodate new programmatic functions and provide athletes with training and educational units.
Thomas Hudson, Chief Diversity Officer and Special Assistant to the President, explained that the project was not to impose on members but to provide a space that could be operated on a larger scale by next year.
“The Walter Payton Center was envisioned as a multi-purpose center, similar to majority of campus buildings. There is a section of the Payton Center that were heavily underutilized, so now a [construction team] is revitalizing that space for all students,” said Hudson.
The transformation will include computer labs, offices, theatre-like classrooms, studios and spaces for hosting events.
Ariel Wade, a senior criminal justice major from Memphis, Tenn., who visits the gym frequently opposes the new addition saying it lessens the opportunity for members to obtain a maximum workout experience.
“I believe they could have found another way instead of taking something that not only belongs to students but also to the community. Just because they did not witness heavy traffic in the now renovated space, does not mean people weren’t using it.”
She continued, “Yes, the football team needs training, they need equipment, they need a lot of things, however, you shouldn’t take things from a facility that is already established to create new things for one group of people.”
Upon beginning construction, the facility was used as a center of fitness and wellness services for over 8,500 students annually and local community members.
Hudson expressed though the reformation will minimize cardio equipment area for attendees, it is for the betterment of all parties involved.
“The intent is for all students to have access. What people don’t realize is that athletes use the Payton now, and sometimes we have events in the Athletic Assembly Center but that is considered the basketball arena. It’s a multi-purpose building just like every building on campus and we are not going to restrict athletes from further using the Payton Center,” expressed Hudson.
Jimmy Coleman, who is a JSU Alum and active gym member, said he is quite understanding of the alterations, but believed people did not rightfully obtain the opportunity to express their concerns before the motion was pitched.
“As a former athlete, I understand that a place to work out is needed and I want the athletes to do well. I pay to work out here, so I expect to get the best of my money. They didn’t ask the community how they felt about it, they just did it because they could, which is unfortunate.”
The lack of notice was also another concern that caused frustration.
“I didn’t get a notice, I saw it when I arrived at the gym. It would have been good to have one, so we could have prepared accordingly, and that way I could have had a better feeling about [the process],” said Coleman.
Hudson said miscommunication was a primary factor in the criticism and assured it will improve.
“Ideally, we should have notified people months in advance about the construction period. We anticipated for minimal disruption, but we certainly did not plan for members not to find out as it was happening. We will do better going forward.”
Renovations are expected to be completed by spring 2020.
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