The image is not exactly flattering.
The stereotype of college life sometimes paints an ugly picture
of beer chugging and couch dwelling. Seldom are college students
thought to lead healthy lifestyles.
But due to the widespread availability and low costs of sports
classes, the UCLA Recreation Department successfully delivers a
collection of activities that combine the university
community’s health and social needs.
The popularity of the recreation courses and intramural sports
can be attributed to the affordable prices granting access to UCLA
Recreation to students, faculty, staff and alumni affiliate members
as well as family members associated with each of these groups.
From the popular Guts, Butts and Thighs fitness class to the
mentally and physically challenging classes such as yoga, the UCLA
Recreation Department has steadily increased the number of classes
it offers over the past few years because of their solid
popularity.
According to the department, over 80 percent of UCLA students
utilize recreational facilities or services during their time at
the university.
“I have taken so many classes mainly because of the
availability of the outstanding facilities at a minimal
cost,” said Peter Kim, a fourth-year history and economics
student who has taken sailing and kayaking through the department.
But balancing the classes’ student-friendly prices with
construction and labor costs makes it difficult for the recreation
department to meet its budget and continue to provide extensive
access to its services.
“The goal of the department is to generate just enough
revenue to subsidize a great menu of activities,” said Mick
Deluca, director of Cultural and Recreational Affairs.
Currently, the department’s biggest project is the opening
of Wooden Center West.
Although the completion of Wooden Center West has been delayed
due to labor shortages, the addition to UCLA’s primary
recreation facility should only further stabilize the
department’s revenue sources.
“Wooden West will provide huge growth for several
classes,” Deluca said. “More importantly, the center
will create a more intimate atmosphere for the Bruin
community.”
The department’s ability to create a community experience
has undergone significant changes.
Prior to 1980, all recreational courses were offered as
educational non-credit classes through the university. But the
classes were deemed out of place within the public education system
due to the need for more diverse academic programs.
Once the courses were eliminated, mandatory registration fees
were instituted to allow the recreational department to offer new
classes.
The department’s continuing development breeds optimism,
as the building blocks for a strengthened community have been
laid.
“We are always revamping and retooling to provide more for
the community,” Deluca said. “We do not think of
ourselves as serving only students, rather an entire UCLA
community.”
Creating a community appeals not only to the department but the
students as well.
“Part of the reason I am heavily involved in club lacrosse
is because of the friendships I have made with everyone else
participating,” said Alexis Nielson, a second-year English
student. “A community feeling is very alluring to most
people.”