2.6    Support Facilities Element

Data and Analysis

         2005-2015 Campus Master Plan Update

 a)   As enrollment continues to grow at the University, support facilities must be provided that parallel those demands created by academic facilities.  The focus of Support Facilities planning considers capital project as well as intramural and casual use athletic facilities.  The analysis of indoor support space is based on assignable square footage of existing or new construction that can provide facilities for office/computer, student services, auditorium and audio-visual space.

The amount of space required for support facilities is related to enrollment growth and the type of facilities constructed. The amount of support space needed in the future will be determined by user demand and space needs as reported by support service providers in consultation with Facilities Planning.

b)  An analysis of the projected needs for recreation and open space facilities required to meet the needs of the future University population (students, faculty, and staff) based on University standards and calculations or established level of service standards.

The University of Central Florida outdoor recreation facilities are currently limited with regard to student use and number of facilities.  Looking at the student population, number of intramural sports offered, number of sport clubs, and ideal standards for usage, the number of fields at UCF are over capacity.  The future expansion of intramural fields in the south section of the campus will allow increased capacity, more flexibility for field rotation to avoid compaction and abuse.

Calculations used to assess facility sufficiency take into consideration a number of factors.  These factors include variety of fields (club sports, intramural sports, or open recreation), frequency of use, student enrollment, and unique layout diminishing the flexibility for use (i.e. softball field).

The methodology used for determining the number of fields an institution needs for appropriate recreation use is based on a number of factors.  The general standards, as recommended by the National Intramural Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA), are 1 acre per 1000 students enrolled.  Additionally, the number of fields can be adjusted based on number of teams, type of field (natural or synthetic surface), and appropriate field lighting.   Application of this standard is dependent on the extent of land available and can be  adjusted based on number of teams, type of field (natural or synthetic surface), appropriate field lighting, and scheduling of nighttime play.   Presently at UCF there are currently 15 intramural sports that use outside fields, some with up to 150 teams, and 7 sport clubs.  Current field space includes 18 acres of natural grass space and no lights on the fields with the exception of the two softball fields.  Natural fields should ideally be programmed between 18 to 24 hours in any given week, but there are few limitations on synthetic fields. 

Given these assumptions, the University of Central Florida appears in below average condition without additional fields in the south section of campus being built.  If synthetic fields are used for future facilities, recreation use could be programmed for up to nine hours per day, reducing the impact on existing fields.

In summary, the existing and future facilities at the University do not appear to address the student’s current and future needs for recreation space.  The construction of additional recreation fields with synthetic surface and lights could provide flexibility for programming and alleviate poor field conditions.

c)  An assessment of the adequacy of the existing recreational facilities and open spaces to meet the projected needs of the University.

The 1995 Report highlighted the condition of the swimming pool, the need for an all-purpose recreation facility, the provision of lighting existing fields in order to extend use, additional tennis courts, and a more efficient layout of fields and corresponding support facilities.

The Recreation and Wellness Center, located by the Academic Village, has benefited the campus and helped alleviate many of the shortfalls identified in the 1995 plan.  Additionally, the construction of a new leisure pool, repairs made to existing competitive pool, additional tennis courts, and a planned future addition to the Recreation and Wellness Center will also address previous concerns. Additionally, with the construction of a new leisure pool, repairs made to existing competitive pool, and additional tennis court, will also address previous concerns.  The provisions adding fields, tennis courts, as well as lighting facilities continues to be at a premium when addressing the 1995 plan.