Turner Center Makes Big Changes Just in Time for Incoming Freshmen

Have you been to the Turner Center lately? If you have, you might have noticed something different. Ole Miss Campus Recreation is gearing up for the largest incoming freshmen class in school history. With renovations and expansions, the Turner Center will be leaner and meaner by early next fall.

A short two months ago, Ole Miss Campus Recreation announced a new director, Peter Tulchinsky, and ever since, the program has been fast at work. An updated fitness center has been in the works for some time, but the renovations could not have come at a better time. With the expected largest incoming freshmen class arriving in Oxford next fall, the average 3,000 students who enter the Turner Center daily is expected to rise as enrollment hits an all-time high.

 Allison Hahn, a sophomore majoring in Exercise Science,
 completes her day by exercising at the Turner Center.

So is this a large renovation or an expansion of the Turner Center you might ask? Peter Tulchinsky says, “Both!” The Turner Center is looking to renovate their current facility that was built in 1983. However, they are hoping to expand the Campus Recreation program through these new renovations.

The Department of Campus Recreation released a statement that says, “An innovative Turner Center expansion will meet the recreational needs of our growing student body and serve as a beacon as part of Mississippi’s flagship institution strengthening efforts to create healthy lifestyles for its citizens.” 

Many of the staff members, like Demetrius Morgan, are looking forward for what is to come at the Turner Center.

The anticipated construction and makeover is already underway. The current locker rooms are receiving a major face-lift with new lockers, carpet, and shower facilities. The Ole Miss Outdoors Club is updating their office, which is located on the lower level of the Turner Center.  

The biggest change will be seen in the group fitness program at the Turner Center. Currently, the program, which includes classes like Zumba and cycling, is limited to one multi-purpose room on the second floor. With the improvements, they are adding two more multi-purpose rooms in the Turner Center. This will expand the program by allowing multiple classes to take place at once, which will allow the Campus Recreation program the opportunity to serve more students.

In the coming years, the Campus Recreation Director, Peter Tulchinsky, says he looks to see many more improvements. He explains, "The possibility for a rock climbing wall and food services in the Turner Center have already been discussed." Another opportunity he looks to expand on is adding more energy in the fitness center with TVs and brighter colors.

The new and improved Turner Center is expected to unveil on September 1, 2014.