June 04, 2010

Recreation center hosted record crowds in May

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- The spring semester was one of the busiest times ever at Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Student Recreation Center.

In fact, during May alone, 31,294 people came through the doors of the SRC. That’s an increase of nearly 50 percent from the average May.

More than 2,200 elementary, junior high and high school students from 19 schools participated in recreational and wellness activities at the Recreation Center. Among the popular events were after-prom and post-graduation celebrations.

Due to ongoing construction at SIUC, the Student Recreation Center was also the site last month for seven of the University’s commencement ceremonies. Thousands of graduates, family members, friends and faculty saw the facility take on a new look, transformed for graduation.

Recreational Sports and Services also paired with the Saluki Swim Club to host a large swim meet that drew more than 600 young participants and 1,600 spectators from as far away as Memphis. The Saluki International Meet, a USA Swimming event, was May 21-23.

But, the busy times aren’t over for the Student Recreation Center. The facility is hosting a variety of summer camps and activities for children. And, the USA Swimming crowd will be back July 30-Aug. 1 as the Ozark Swimming 2010 Long Course Championships come to SIUC.