The Financial and Facility Status of Campus Recreation Programs at NIRSA Colleges and Universities

Abstract

Directors of campus recreation at NIRSA colleges and universities in the US and Canada were surveyed to determine: (a) the number of schools that have built, within the preceding three years, major indoor as well as major outdoor campus recreation facilities and the number of institutions planning to do so within the next three years; (b) the usage and scheduling priorities covering all campus recreation facilities; (c) the sources of funding for the construction of these major facilities and sites; and (d) the sources of funding for operational activities for campus recreation. The data were analyzed in terms of school size, location, and whether public or private in nature. The findings revealed that 56% of the institutions surveyed had either recently built new major indoor student recreation centers or were planning to do so, within the next three years. In terms of major outdoor facilities or sites, the percentage was 41%. The majority of construction funds for indoor and outdoor facilities/sites as well as operational funds for programs and activities came from future student fees at most of the public schools. Typically, private schools had the majority of their monies for both indoor and outdoor facilities emanating from private sources while the majority of operating costs was covered through the general fund of the institutions. The sharing of facilities continues with both physical education and with athletics; and, the directors of campus recreation, generally speaking, felt comfortable with such arrangements, even when such arrangements include having athletic and physical education activities take precedence in usage over those of campus recreation.

Strategies for campus sport centre funding: a case study on the Charles Jago Northern Sport Centre

“…According to Fried (2010, p. 5), "A sport facility is defined as any enclosed facility built, installed, or established as a facility where sports are played." These sport facilities offer a wide range of fitness, recreation, sport and leisure opportunities to the community, university or college through different amenities (Stier, Schneider, Kampf, Wilding, & Haines, 2005). Not all facilities provide similar products or services to its customers and these amenities are dependent on the size, location, and needs of the post-secondary institution.…”

“…In 1912, Yale was the first university to build a large football only stadium (Fried, 2010). The history of campus sport and recreational facilities began at the University of Michigan in the late 1920's (Stier et. al, 2005).…”

“…The university became the first post-secondary institution in the United States to construct a facility that was dedicated to multiple sport activities (Stier et. al, 2005).…”

“…It was designed for men to participate in nonvarsity club sports, intramural activities, and physical education (Taylor, Canning, Brailsford, & Rokosz, 2003). In the 1970's, there was a change in the operations of campus sport facilities, as they were previously managed without financial responsibility and changed to being managed with financial responsibility through the campus recreation department (Stier et. al, 2005).…”

“…College and university sport centres provide a sense of culture for students, physical and mental well-being, student recruitment, student retention, as well as an architectural show case for attracting individuals to the facility (Crow, Gonsoulin, & Phillips, 2001). The use of taxpayers' dollars to finance campus sport centres has been a common theme for the creation and continuous operation of these facilities (Stier, Schneider, Kampf, Wilding, & Haines, 2005). They are important to the university and community, as they serve the purpose of providing overall health benefits for people of all ages through sport, fitness, and leisure opportunities.…”