We, the students of the University of Massachusetts Boston, petition the University of Massachusetts Boston to build a state-of-the-art recreation and wellness building.

Currently, the recreational amenities are overcrowded and obsolete. Nursing, Exercise Science and other related majors are forced to perform their practicums off campus instead of the Umass Boston campus. Vital exercise areas like the basketball courts in the Clark Gym are predominantly used by 1% of the student body, student athletes, denying many of the other 99% of Beacons an opportunity to get a sweat on in open gym. Important extra-curricular activities, such as intramural sports that require a field, face major obstacles to accessibility since students must go off-campus to participate. The current recreational amenities are not well accommodated for people with disabilities either. People with disabilities have to seek out resources to make recreational amenities more accessible, rather than these resources being clearly indicated, sending a non-inclusionary message to one of our most important and diverse communities. The Beacon Fitness Center is overcrowded and outdated.

Adequate recreational resources will encourage more students to participate in recreational activities, which will radiate positivity and productivity throughout the campus thanks to the mental and physical health benefits of exercise. People who exercise regularly report an overall lower mental health burden as compared to those who do not exercise. Also, people who exercise are less likely to develop a major depressive disorder compared to those who do not exercise.[1] Exercising also improves academic success. There are many other health benefits to exercise such as improved sleep, experiencing fewer colds, healthier eyes and protection against hearing loss.[2]There is a direct correlation between recruitment and retention as well.

We demand a new facility on campus dedicated to recreation and wellness for all students and faculty at Umass Boston.

The amenities should include:

• A new, bigger fitness center.
• Group fitness studios and dance studios.
• A new gymnasium for the entire student body to use throughout the day.
• A new field on-campus adequate for intramural activities such as soccer or flag football.
• A new recreational pool.
• Racquetball and squash courts.
• A small café equipped with healthy food and drink options.
• Medical Resources for illnesses or minor injuries.
• Referrals to healthcare specialists and UMB support services.
• Dental Services.
• Mental Health Resources.
• Screening, treatment, and education for sexual health.
• Workshops available to students for healthy living in all aspects. These could range from mental and physical health workshops to lifestyle topics like Learning From Failure, Building Healthy Relationships, Financial Management, etc.
• Adequate accessibility resources and consideration for people with disabilities that like to enjoy the recreation facilities.
• Locker Rooms equipped with multiple lockers that are big enough to store the adaptable equipment often used by people with disabilities.
• Better natural lighting in the fitness center – the lack of natural lighting makes it much harder for those with vision problems to get their workout in.
• Student workers available to answer questions about accessibility resources working as long as the gym is open.

If you would like to see a new state-of-the-art facility at the University of Massachusetts Boston dedicated solely to the health and wellness of the students and faculty of this school, make your voice heard and sign your name in support of this petition!

[1] Chekroud, Adam M., and Alisa Trugerman. “The Opportunity for Exercise to Improve Population Mental Health.” JAMA Psychiatry, vol. 76, no. 11, 2019, p. 1206., doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2019.2282.

[2] Davis, Robert. “Why Exercise? Six Surprising Health Benefits.” The Washington Post, 20 June 2017, p. E6.