Aquatic Center Gets Makeover

Sacramento State's Aquatic Center, one of the top rowing facilities in the country, will soon get a makeover. In late September Associated Students, which operates the facility in conjunction with the California Department of Boating and Waterways and the California Department of Parks and Recreation, received $495,000 from Boating and Waterways.

The student organization plans to use the generous subsidies for a variety of projects in and around the eight-acre Aquatic Center, to improve its appearance and create additional features for staff and visitors.

Among the upgrades will be an exercise mezzanine where Sacramento State athletes will be able to train, with a play area for its youngsters and a new boat hoist. Landscaping, irrigation and a marquee architectural street sign are other planned improvements designed to continue to create a more aesthetically appealing experience for water sports enthusiasts.

"Our goal is to make it look like a recreational park," says Brian Dulgar, operations manager at the center.

The Department of Boating and Waterways has allotted millions of dollars to the 24-year-old facility over the years, transforming it into a popular community facility. "We started back in 1981 with nothing but two 40-foot metal storage containers. Now we're a pillar in the community that serves more than 15,000 people a year," says Dulgar.

The center offers physical education and boating safety classes, summer camps and youth programs to Sacramento State students, faculty, staff and the public.

For more information about the Sacramento State Aquatic Center log on to www.csusaquaticcenter.com.