Students at Spring Hill College voice their frustrations with the Arthur R. Outlaw Recreation Center on campus.
The Outlaw Center experienced very inconsistent hours this semester due to the lack of workers at the front desk. Students propose new suggestions to keep the campus knowledgeable about the changing hours.
The Outlaw Center was designed in the mid-90s and provides cardio equipment, a weight room, a training room, a gymnasium, and more for all Spring Hill students to enjoy. Although it is known that there must be a student worker at the desk in order for the center to be open, students are frustrated with the lack of communication the Outlaw Center is providing. Multiple students agree that there should be weekly or daily updates to all students on the hours if they plan on being inconsistent.
Junior Allie Berg is a member of both the cheerleading and dance team at Spring Hill and spending time at the Outlaw Center is crucial for her performance. “There have been times where we’ll go to the gym and it’ll just be locked and it says on the door that it’s supposed to be open.”
Ian Sidley, a senior at Spring Hill stopped going to the Outlaw Center as a whole because of this reason. “It would be nice if there was an email chain or Instagram page that could keep us in the loop.” Berg agrees. “Communication is crucial. I think sending out an all student email stating the Outlaw Center hours for the week would really help.”
Joe Niland, Director of Athletics at Spring Hill College, oversees the Outlaw Center. Niland states that the current hours are:
Monday-Thursday: 8:00am – 10:00pm
Friday: 8:00am – 9:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am – 1:00pm
Sunday: 6:00pm – 10:00pm
Niland attempts to open the building consistently every week so students can count on the hours. He stated, “Liability is the biggest issue, we don’t want anyone getting hurt. I want the building to be as active as possible, but we just gotta make sure that there is somebody working.”
If you are interested in working the desk at the Outlaw Center and are eligible for work-study, email Craig Kennedy, [email protected]. The application can be found on the app Handshake under Athletic Department worker well. For any questions or concerns, email Joe Niland, [email protected].
