3/2/98
ATHENS, Ohio -- The $26 million Charles J. Ping Student Recreation Center that opened two years ago on Ohio University's Athens campus has received national recognition for its architectural significance.
The center received a citation from American School & University and was listed in its "Architectural Portfolio 1997" edition and also was featured in Athletic Business magazine's "1997 Showcase on Architecture."
The American School & University competition, now in its 16th year, recognizes design excellence among educational facilities. Nominations are evaluated by members of the American Institute of Architects and prominent school administrators.
Athletic Business' competition highlights 65 recreation or fitness facilities constructed or renovated within the past three years.
The Ping Center opened in January 1996. Maddox NBD Architects & Planners of Dublin, Ohio, served as architects on the project and Bohm-NBBJ of Columbus as consulting architects.
The 168,000-square-foot facility features a two-sided climbing wall, two gymnasiums, a one-eighth-mile indoor track, eight racquetball/squash courts, a 142-station aerobic machine room, a free-weight room, combative arts and aerobics rooms, and conference facilities.
Ping Center Director Tamara Jarrett said other schools planning to build student recreation facilities frequently consult with Ohio University officials. Among those seeking advice have been Ohio State University, Washington State University, Kent State University, Georgia Southern University, the University of Virginia and West Virginia State University.