Wisconsin building commission approves HHP planning funds

One of the first hurdles for the new UW-River Falls health and human performance (HHP) facility was cleared on Monday. The Wisconsin Building Commission allocated more than $1 million in general purpose revenue to UWRF, so planning can begin.

“This is a vital and historic step on the pathway to creating this facility,” Chancellor Don Betz said in an e-mail to University faculty and employees involved in the project. “Applause goes out to all on this list and many more. There are many more hurdles and challenges to be sure, but the project has now been officially recognized and state money is to be made available for the initial planning.”

Almost $7 million has been devoted to this project, combining funding from the student body, UW-River Falls Foundation and money allotted by the commission.

UWRF students, employees and faculty undertook a massive campaign to gain support for the University to secure state funding. Letters were written by numerous HHP staff members and students and more than 1,700 petition signatures were hand delivered to legislators Feb. 28 in Madison, showing support for the new facilities.

“I don’t want to be negative and sound like we’re crying, but if you were to go to the eight WIAC institutions [the state of the facilities] speaks for itself,” Athletic Director Rick Bowen said.

One of the proposed sites for the new facility would place two new HHP buildings adjacent the Knowles Center and Hunt Arena. This would be a logical choice due to its cost effectiveness in using campus property and would also concentrate all university athletic facilities. The new buildings would include a new basketball gymnasium, pool, weight room, labs and classrooms.

According to a brochure advocating for the new buildings, 6,200 students are currently enrolled at UWRF, and about 3,000 are enrolled in HHP courses. About 10 percent of students are HHP majors and minors, who utilize many of the facilities for their everyday courses, labs and overall experience at UWRF.

The last large-scale remodeling project done on Karges Center basement was 15 years ago, Bowen said, so the importance of getting adequate funding for planning was vital.

“This is not unlike buying a house or new car; we have to determine what we want, and what we can afford,” Bowen said. “This is such a breath of fresh air.”