Horizons Online Edition

After club fair on Jan. 19, many students have noticed and are asking questions about the noticeable floor damage in the Activity Center.

On Dec. 19, after fall commencement, the stage and the blue floor covering was picked up to reveal a three to four inch raised bubble on the west side of the Activity Center.

Ted Blake, director of intramurals, says "there appears to be serious water and moisture damage under the floor but we are unsure where it came from or how long it has been there."

University officials have not located the source of the damage but are attempting to repair the floor as soon as possible.

Repairs on the damage so far include replacing a twenty five by thirty five square foot section of the floor. Once the floor is open and begins repairs more damage might be found causing the workers to change plans which might prolong the process. "The university is trying to fix the floor as quickly as possible," said Blake.

To repair the floor first the wood mush be demolished and replaced. Then the floor must be repainted and resealed again. There will also be painting on the outside of the gym to reseal and hopefully prevent future water damage.

"The university has had two months to review the damage and there is no way to tell how long the repairs will take," said Blake.

Due to the water damage half of the Activity Center has been blocked off causing trouble with intramural sports and many future events. Events are still taking place in the Activity Center but playing sports on the damaged area is off limits.

Intramural basketball for the spring semester has had to switch from two day a week to four days a week of playing time to accommodate all the teams.

The Luau in February is still occurring as well as the Army Field Band coming to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in March.

The Northern Arizona Science Fair, showing junior high to high school students exhibits are still scheduled to use the Activity Center during Spring Break.

In two weeks our Embry Riddle wrestlers will still be hosting the NAIA wrestling regional in the Activity Center.

Events being held in the Activity Center will be able to use the damaged side by just placing the blue floor covering over the area.

Blake says, "The Activity Center can hold events for the rest of the year unless workers find more damage."

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