Repository: UIHistories Project: Book - Report on Need for Campus Recreation Facilities (1947) [PAGE 30]

EXTRACTED TEXT FROM PAGE:

RECREATIONAL AND INTRAMURAL SPORTS Hartley D. Price I, Introduction. When considering intramural and recreational need it is necessary to consider problems involved and the students to be accommodated in order to get an overall picture. For intramurals alone the comparison of entries as shown in the Handbook vill reveal to some extent the present scope of the IM program. Despite the fact that 6,553 individuals played on 1*99 teams, and k,6k5 participated in individual sports for a grand total of 11,203 participants, it must be realized that many of these individuals repeated several times in the various sports. Even at that, many additional sports are not even scheduled due to the lack of facilities. Furthermore, the IM program is participated in predominantly by members of Greek organizations, which is the ninority group on the campus. With facilities being strained even for their use, how will it be possible to offer the healthful benefits of recreational sports to the entire campus? This year a judicious use is being made of all facilities for intramurals, despite the fact that a curtailed IM program is being presented. It must be emphasized that intramurals take care of only a snail portion of the students. Of equal importance is the fact that informal recreational and co-recreational programs are practically non-existent. One of the most dominant of all American characteristics is that of a love for good clean sport. The University of Illinois is one of the most progressive educational institutions in the United States; yet, the lack of recreational activities forces many students to find an outlet for academic strain in beer halls and dives. What an asset it would be to afford students adequate co-recreational facilities for swimming, badminton, ping pong, and other sports. What a boon to good fellowship and good living it would be to arrange for pick-up games of basketball and volleyball for groups of students. It doesn't seem logical that adequate educational facilities and activity positions alone make for a well-rounded student. For the sake of giving student men and women a place to have good, clean fun and for the sake of promoting a better University of Illinois, it is hoped that provisions will be made for wider student participation in recreational sports. A "sports-for-all" program cannot be denied. II. Existing Conditions at Illinois. A. The war and additional housing plans have practically abolished all facilities on campus courts at the Stadium were taken down to nal' room for housing. 2. Ice skating used to be carried on, but this too has been pushed aside 3. There used to be volleyball courts in the Gym Annex, bul these have given away to additional housing. h. Bight or ton softball dinmaxto were tnken away to be used for building the Parade Ground Unit. (Football fields, too.) Thd extent of the facilities wo have loft. The third floor gyro / whan clmiies a:

riy Mmflo t h i s I

(

court.