FSU Takes First Steps Toward Regional Recreation Complex
Jul 11, 2022 1:00 PM
FSU has passed the first hurdle toward the creation of the Regional Recreation Complex at Frostburg State University, including an indoor recreational facility that will be available to the campus, as well as members of the community, including local sports teams. A $5 million appropriation in the supplemental state of Maryland budget will allow FSU to begin the design process and site preparation starting this summer.
The overall recreational project includes an indoor facility with multiple turf fields, improved outdoor baseball and softball fields and renovation to the Harold J. Cordts PE Center, a building that has served the campus for the past 45 years.
The University’s Facilities Master Plan identified a need for better recreational facilities for the campus and region, as FSU does not offer the same quality of recreational and wellness facilities found on many of its sister campuses. In addition, the region suffers because of limited recreational facilities for families, which impacts economic development and quality of life.
The regional sports complex will provide a venue for year- round training for nearly all of FSU’s athletic programs.
This facility will also serve the local community by providing an indoor facility that would be used by athletic programs of all ages and levels.
Campuses that have these types of complexes are finding it easier to recruit students and, through public-private partnerships, can offer on-campus learning and internship opportunities. The continued interest and growth in FSU’s Exercise and Sport Science, Health and Physical Education and Athletic Training programs, as well as the new Education and Health Sciences Center, complement this regional recreational complex concept.
Such a sports complex would be a catalyst for economic development for the region by attracting visiting teams for tournaments. Visitors to the sports complex would also impact the local economy and support businesses. Currently, community members travel to the indoor complex near West Virginia University, more than an hour’s drive from FSU.
The overall project cost is approximately $70 million, with support coming from the state of Maryland, the Maryland Stadium Authority, the University System of Maryland and private fundraising.