Raegan Stokes ’19
Sports Editor
President Katherine McCarthy announced last week that Smith plans to renovate the Olin Fitness Center over the summer. Some of the renovations include more ellipticals, treadmills and weightlifting equipment, and the additions include a spa and trampoline park.
McCarthy said, “We just really want students to have the best experience when they come to Olin. We want to draw more students to the fitness center, so we decided that all additions to the fitness center will be completely free for Smith students.” President McCarthy knows what college students like: anything free. The spa will provide students with massages and facials by appointment. McCarthy said she expects the massages will be great for athletes or students who are sore from a workout.
Julia Hamilton ’18 is especially excited for the indoor trampoline park. She said, “Trampoline parks are my favorite pastime. I don’t know what it is, but when you’re jumping on that trampoline, it’s like all your stress goes away, and it’s just you and the bounce. It’s my zen, really.” The trampoline park will be open during weekdays from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on weekends from 9 a.m. to 12 a.m. Every Saturday night, the trampoline park will host “Bounce After Dark” with a DJ and disco lights. McCarthy said, “We think the ‘Bounce After Dark’ will be a great alternative to Saturday night activities that get students active.”
Arguably the most needed improvement to the Olin Fitness Center is added ellipticals, treadmills and weightlifting equipment. Every day at around 4 p.m., there is undoubtedly a line for the treadmills and ellipticals. To fix this problem, there will be a whole new gym added filled with only treadmills and ellipticals. For Smithies who like to lift, like Cameo Tietje ’18, weights and squat racks will be added.
Tietje says she can’t wait to get her hands on some new 65-pound weights. “I’m really trying to get my weight up next semester, so this revamp is pretty clutch. Honestly, I can’t wait to check out my biceps in the reflection of the shiny new equipment” she said.
Alumnae are funding the renovations. Alumna Sophia Smith ’71 said, “I want my money to go to the wellbeing and happiness of Smithies.” Thanks to these alumnae, Smith students can get ready for free massages and days of bouncing their worries away.
