A major renovation of Bellarmine University’s SuRF Center over winter break has made the campus recreation facility more inviting and functional, thanks to funding from the Student Government Association and the university. The interior renovations, which cost $128,000, included:

• New sports court surfacing on free play courts
• Carpet and furniture replacement
• Painting the lobby and locker rooms
• New branding, including a Thomas Merton quote: "Perhaps I am stronger than I think"
• Lighting replacement featuring new LED panels

The new sports courts have the look and feel of a gym floor, but are designed to withstand frequent use of the space, including setup for non-athletic events. As part of the renovation, students helped tear out the old court surfacing last month. "The courts are the gem of the facility with maple finishing and a knight head logo," said Clare Dever, director of campus recreation. "The students are extremely excited about all the changes and I’m happy for them because they deserve it." Leah Mudd, student government president, said student leaders made funding for the project a priority because of the number of students who use the SuRF and will benefit from the improved facilities. "We're very excited that we were able to do this and we had the funds for it," said Mudd. "We hope that it has a big impact." Laura Kremer Kline, director of campus ministry, blessed the improvements before Mudd cut a ribbon to ceremonially open the new courts and other upgrades. The SuRF - more formally the Sport, Recreation and Fitness Center - opened in 1973 as a private tennis center operating on campus. In 2001, the facility was converted into the university's campus recreation center, offering indoor multi-use sports courts, exercise equipment and fitness classes. The facility's staff also oversees intramurals, club sports and campus wellness initiatives.