As the semester comes to an end, I cannot help but look forward to the year ahead. Next year will be an exciting year for the Rensselaer Union. It is filled with opportunities to improve upon student services and facilities. A decision will have to be made early next year concerning the future of the bowling lanes, located in the Union games area, which are in poor condition. The equipment is around 25 years old and is in constant need of maintenance and repair. Income from the bowling lanes has been steadily decreasing since the 1980s because of declining use of these facilities, and this trend has been seen nationwide. It is my goal that we get the most use and highest student satisfaction out of our limited facilities.
There are several options available to the Union. First, the decision must be made on whether or not the Union will provide the continued use of the bowling lanes to the students. If so, then we must decide to what level the bowling lanes will be refurbished. The bare minimum would include the addition of a vinyl surface that would be placed on top of the current lanes, and this installation would cost about $5,000 to $6,000. The other option would be completely revamping the bowling lanes with the addition of computer scoring systems, new floors, and a new ball return system. As one can imagine, with this option comes an enormous cost to the Union and ultimately back to the students. It is not realistic to think that future revenues would even begin to offset the cost of new bowling lanes. If it is decided that the renovations are not worth their costs, the bowling lanes will be removed all together.
If the lanes are removed, the Union faces tremendous new opportunities because the bowling lanes constitute half of the total games area. My only concern when it comes to the issue of the bowling lanes is that the student body will receive the best possible use of the space. It is the Union’s duty to reflect current students’ interests and needs, while keeping in mind these decisions will affect students for years to come. Several options that have been considered as an alternative use of the space include, but are not limited to: study space, meeting rooms, food service, or more game options. There are a wide variety of possibilities, and all options will be thoroughly considered before any decisions are made.
The decision will ultimately be up to next year’s Executive Board with the guidance of the Union staff, outside consultants, student feedback, and myself. The fact that the Union has bowling lanes offers a unique opportunity to participate in an activity that most universities do not have, but at the same time, one must keep in mind that continuing this service would require a tremendous capital investment by the Union for an activity that just does not seem to be drawing a substantial amount of students. Regardless, I am confident a decision of this magnitude will not be made in haste, nor without the proper information. Student feedback is encouraged and valued, so if the student body wants to continue to have the option of bowling in the Union, now is the time to make that known.
