Sauna reopens after vandalism

By Grant Merritt
Assistant News Editor
Oct 29, 2009

Photo by Grant Merritt

The sauna in the Jones Athletic Complex was closed Oct. 9 and the weekends following it after it was vandalized three times during the fall semester. The sauna was reopened on the weekends on Oct. 24 after student complaints.

The sauna in the Jones Athletic Complex was ordered to close Oct. 9 and each weekend afterwards after three instances of vandalism during the fall semester. It reopened Oct. 24.

According to Facility Manager Tony Chavis, drinks, urine and feces were left on the hot rocks that heat the sauna.

“The security guard opened the sauna door, smoke came out and set off the fire alarms,” Chavis said. “My supervisor said to shut it down on the weekends.”

A notice was placed on the side of the sauna by Chavis to inform students that starting on Oct. 9, the sauna was turned off on the weekends. It was closed on the weekend of Oct. 9, 10 and 11 and the weekend of Oct. 16, 17 and 18.

Department of Physical Education Chair Dr. Tommy Thompson said that each time the sauna was vandalized, it cost a couple $100 to disassemble, clean out and sanitize the sauna. He said it had happened three times.

Detective Ed Locklear of Campus Police confirmed one incidence of vandalism to the sauna.

“Drinks and other stuff were poured on it,” Locklear said.

On Oct. 20, after student complaints, the sauna was reopened on the weekends. Students were concerned about the sauna closing on the weekends because it took away from student activities.

“Students should not be punished for the arrogant acts of others,” Freshman Sarah Beal said. “But that short term suspension [of two weekends] should send a clear message to all.”

Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Dr. Diane Jones said she had not been aware of the sauna closing, and she asked Dr. Thompson for it to be reopened.

“I want that service available for students. I want good, clean facilities for students,” Dr. Jones said. “Students should be responsible.”

To keep the facilities safe and clean, Dr. Jones encouraged more student policing of the gym facilities to help prevent further vandalism to the sauna.

Dr. Jones said that the administration is willing to work with students on issues like this. She did not want to deny sauna services to students who want to use it on the weekends.

“It's not fair that one or two students are keeping 6,000 other students from using the sauna,” Dr. Jones said.

For safety and security measures, Dr. Jones said a possible card swiping system, much like the card swiping system of Pine, Oak, North and Belk Halls, could help. She said that it would keep a record of who used the sauna and keep it locked when not in use.

Dr. Thompson was concerned about the costs for this card swiping idea and was concerned that it would be too expensive.

“Don't worry. The sauna will be open on the weekends,” Dr. Thompson said.

The sauna's regular hours of operation are Monday through Thursday 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Students who see vandalism taking place can call campus police at 521- 6235.