New Peter J. Sharp Athletic and Recreation Center Poised to Make Changes at the Mount

10/23/2008

The Peter Jay Sharp Athletic and Recreation Center is on its way to becoming the newest addition to the University of Mount Saint Vincent. On October 25th at 12:30 p.m. there will be a groundbreaking ceremony to usher in the new facility. The Peter Jay Sharp Foundation granted $1.75 Million to the Mount in 2006 through Edmund Duffy, a Trustee, for the renovation and expansion of the athletic facilities.

Planned improvements include the renovation of existing Cardinal Hayes Auditorium plus the addition of approximately 4,500 square feet. Additional funds were donated by private foundations, alumni, friends, and other donors to ensure the center would be built.  The Athletic and Recreation Center Addition project consists of 17,822 gross square feet of new construction to provide a new gymnasium and lobby connector to Hayes Hall. The new building will attach to the north side of the existing building. The gymnasium will include:

• a regulation-size basketball court
• 2 practice cross courts for basketball,
• a regulation-size volleyball court
• There will be seating for more than 700 spectators.
• The lobby will include restrooms for the gymnasium

With the growing interest in athletics at the Mount, it became clear that the existing facilities would not be enough to house all sports. The present gymnasium was constructed in 1930 for an all-female student population of 400 and is not adequate to serve today’s co-educational student body approaching 1900. Research shows that student participation in athletics increases the likelihood of academic success. The new gymnasium will be open to all students at the Mount.