Mixed Reactions to Morren Fitness Center’s $100K Upgrade – Calvin University Chimes

Enhancing the Morren Fitness Center: A New Era for Student Wellness

Exciting improvements have recently transformed the Morren Fitness Center, Calvin University’s gym designed for non-athletic students. These renovations aim to accommodate the increasing number of student athletes while also enhancing access for the entire student body.

The upgrades, largely completed during winter break, were supported by over $100,000 in private donations, as stated by James Timmer, the director of Calvin athletics. The renovation project was initiated to take advantage of previously underutilized spaces, particularly by increasing access to free weights for all students.

With the athletic program experiencing a surge—growing from approximately 500 to 767 student athletes within a year—the need for expanded gym facilities became essential. “To carry out team lifts effectively, we needed to repurpose unused areas,” explained Timmer.

The renovation included replacing all existing bars and weights while adding new squat racks, raising the number from eight to 14. Timmer shared that it had been 16 years since significant updates were made to the weight equipment, even though cardio machines were replaced two years prior.

“Donor feedback indicated a desire for more and improved weights, among other enhancements. We are actively working to meet those expectations,” Timmer added.

However, some students have raised concerns about the functionality of older equipment that remains in the gym. Frequent user Arnold Guikema expressed frustrations regarding broken cable machines and equipment that may pose safety risks. While the focus was on purchasing new squat racks, Guikema feels cable machines—which many students rely on—are in need of immediate attention. “Every time I use the broken cable, I feel like I’m risking injury,” he said.

“I never thought the gym needed more squat racks; I believe the main pain point for students is the malfunctioning cable machines,” Guikema remarked.

Ongoing Improvement Initiatives

Upgrading the gym has been a longstanding aim for students, underscored by advocacy from the Student Senate over the past two years. As previously reported by Chimes, the 2024-2025 Student Senate allocated $5,000 towards improvements for the Morren Fitness Center. The subsequent academic year focused specifically on replacing attachments for the cable machines, as it was deemed too costly to repair the machines directly, according to Guikema.

Timmer highlighted that the recent renovations were designed to align with requests put forth by the Student Senate, emphasizing the importance of increasing both the quantity and quality of weights available.

Understanding Space Allocation

The athletic department’s approach includes a “trade-off” system where certain areas of the Morren Fitness Center may be closed off during team training sessions. Timmer clarified that alternative equipment is always available elsewhere in the facility during these times, ensuring that students still have access to workout options.

This separation has led some non-athlete students to feel excluded. Guikema compared it to the experience of entering the Spoelhof Fieldhouse basement, only to find equipment designated for athletes. “With the current upgrades, it seems like athletes’ spaces are prioritized over students’ needs,” he noted.

Freshman track athlete Lola Davies shared that the designated area for athletes is advantageous since their gym often can’t accommodate all teams at once. “Being a student athlete comes with commitments and costs. Having dedicated space has been incredibly beneficial for us,” said Davies.

Looking ahead, Timmer mentioned additional plans for the Morren Fitness Center, which include painting the facility in the university’s colors and installing turf for dynamic exercises.