The flooring and surfaces of the BGSU Ice arena seems to be efficient for its intended use.  The lobby area allow for skates and sharper objects to be walked on while users may be moving from the auxiliary ice to the main ice.  This prevents skaters from damaging their skates and the floors.  Also, because of the ice arena being a rec facility the walls are appropriately made of concret as regular dry wall would be more prone to damage. 

Overall, I do not like the Bowling Green Ice Arena.  Perhaps if I had seen it when it first opened in the 1960’s I would have a different impression, but now I feel as if it is outdated.  The exterior of the building is bland and not very welcoming.  If I was a student looking to play hockey at BGSU I would not be impressed with the facility, by looking at the outside.  I can see how this would harm recruitment for BGSU Hockey.  Even the interior of the building is not asthetically pleasing.  So my question is, how do we make the BGSU Ice Arena oustanding to other competing ice arenas?  Back when the facility was new, BGSU was known for its Hockey Program and the Ice Arena was a staple in BGSU college life.  How do we bring that back?  What made the BGSU Ice Arena stand out before, which we have lost now?

I know that the ice arena has a lot of history and traditions that go along with the building, but in my opinion the Stroh Center would have been a great place to also incorporate a new ice arena.  This could attract more students and community members to the center for activities, sports and more.

In the scholarly article “The Four ‘Knowns‘ of Mega Sports Events,” Author John Horne studies the impacts of large scale sporting events on the host community’s tourism market and economy.  By utilizing a speech given by Donald Rumsfeld regarding Iraq in 2003, Horne compares mega sports events to a philosophy of dimensions.  Known Known’s are things we know that we know, Known Unknowns are things that we know that we don’t know and Unknown Unknowns which are things we do not know we don’t know.  The article states that one dimension was missed, which are Unknown Knowns, things we don’t know that we know.   In the introduction of the article, Horne describes that mega-events are “large-scale cultural events, which has a dramatic character, mass popular appeal and international significance.”  It is inferred that hosting a mega-event has significant consequences to the city, region or nation while it attracts an unprecedented amount of media coverage. This means that hosting a mega-event without media coverage would be a contradiction. 

 In consideration of the dimensions listed above, a few underlying assumptions can be inferred by Horne’s statements.  For Known Known’s it is stated that the popularity of mega-sports events has grown over the past twenty years.  Due to the fact that the Summer Olympic and Winter Olympic games were no longer held within the same year, it allowed for more communities to host the games as well as boost media coverage to each area.  This is a solid argument as statistics show increases in participation across all boards like the number of athletes, onlookers, media attention and overall events.  The trend of mega sports events have caught on in the public as a reasonable pastime. 

 For Known Unknowns Horne argues that there are both positive and negative consequences to a community hosting a mega sports event.  As research has began to show, the impacts to hosting a large scale sporting event, like the Olympics, has a large amount of socio-economic, socio-cultural, physical and political impacts.  The main reason for hosting a mega sports event is for economic gain.  Horne clearly shows an understanding of the outcomes of hosting a mega event.  Between economic gain and losses, Horne covers all aspects and outcomes. 

 As for Unknown Unknowns, Horne makes a solid argument that this means we do not have the information and that, in fact, if we did have any information on Unknown Unknowns, it would become Known Unknowns.  In essence, research will need to be conducted to figure out the unknown. 

 Lastly, Horne describes the fourth topic that Rumsfeld missed when discussing Iraq, the Unknown Knowns which is said to be what we don’t remember that we know.  Horne gives an argument that basically states that we are now seeing the differences between opportunity cost versus the benefits of hosting a mega sports event.  This means that the cost of hosting a mega sports event and the economic gain compete against each other.  For example, the cost to build everything is expensive, but palliated by economic growth during the events, which then turn into economic downturn a few years after the fact.  It is Unknown of what would happen, but Known that either the host community will turn into a tourist site or become desolate. 

 Overall, Horne gives solid arguments about host communities and the outcomes of mega sports events.  The way he introduced the topic was both different, but easy to understand.  Throughout the article, Horne is clear in what he is stating and consistent in his writing style.  References are used throughout the article to validate the information and he clearly explains his theoretical framework of the positives and negatives to mega sports events.  

Source: The Four “Knowns” of Sports Mega Events

During Bob Waddles presentation of facility design and construction, I learned a few things about capital planning.  I was put to comfort a little about BGSUs spending in completing the master plan, in that the university is being responsible with its money.  Although we have the capability of borrowing tons of money, the university is not doing so.  I would very much not like to see what happened to the University of Cincinnati in stopping construction, happen to BGSU.  Not borrowing the money from banks does pose a challenge to capital planning in figuring out where the money will be coming from. 

 The challenge that I see affecting the master plan the most is the displacement of offices around campus during construction.  The biggest of these would be the administration and education buildings.  Where would all of the offices go?  I can see where it would be difficult navigating exactly where offices would be put during construction. 

 Some other challenges of the BGSU Master Plan are the thoughts about creating a gateway and making our campus more open and welcoming.  Waddle mentioned that Wooser Street is like the Great Wall of China and that the campus is beautiful once you get in, but it is rather unwelcoming from the outside.  Tearing down the administration building and opening up old campus would be a wonderful way to make campus more welcoming, but this is from Thurstin Street, not Wooster.  So how would the campus be more welcoming from Wooster Street? 

 Rewards of this process would be seeing all these various projects being done and seeing the end product of the master plan.  Although there are challenges along the way, the rewards of having a better functioning, more welcoming campus would be well worth the time and money.

 Another school that is currently working on a plan to improve its campus is the University of Dayton.  UD is working to expand the acreage of their campus and are taking large strides to make their campus more beautiful and accessible than ever.  Much like the large strides BGSU is taking to open up the campus and build new buildings. 

Check out the website for UD’s Master Plan.  

 I attended the No Impact Man presentation with Colin Beavan on 10/26/2011.  The presentation influenced my thoughts regarding the impact we have on the world by thinking about how much we really waste.  After reading the book and hearing what Beavan had to say I think that the No Impact Project was more  than just a course on how to make less environmental impact in the world, but a course on humanity and taking care of each other.  Beavan told a few stories about his interactions with people and how the no impact project influenced how he treated or respected people.  He mentioned in his book that his relationship with his wife and daughter means more than it ever has.  I think the thing that I took away most was his comment on not making situations worse than they need to be.  Instead of trying to think about “how can I fix this?”  we often sprout out a retort to make situations worse.  This portion of the presentation is what I have taken away most.

As related to this course, we have talked a lot about sustainabilty and its uses for the environment.  BGSU is working towards becoming even more environmental and sustainable than ever before with three LEED certified buildings.  As a result of the no impact project, many students are coming on board with the initiatives to help make BGSU more sustainable.  Our course relates to this presentation in the fact that we are all discussing the impacts we have on the environment and are thinking about ways to be sustainable for the future.

Inclusive- Curb cuts, bike racks, bus routes, signage, automatic doors, elevators, ramps, movable seating

Barriers- Elevators hard to find, difficult to navigate buildings, outdoor seating not accessible, Starbucks hard to access, automatic doors broken, classroom doors hard to open, bookstore is a barrier for second floor

Check out this link at Indiana University

 The Perry Field House is a great space for athletic events, especially if an indoor facility is needed.  Not only is the space used for athletic purposes , but it can be used for other events such as career fairs and more.  The space really is versitle in terms of what the building can be used for.

Some great things about the PFH are the number of rentable areas seen here and the rates really are not that expensive.  Another great thing about the PFH is that it really is open to everyone.  Unless there is an event going on, students can come in for free.  The PFH offers a great alternative location for student sports.  If it is raining outside, the building provides areas needed in order to have a proper practice. 

Some things that the Perry Field House could improve on are the green/sustainable aspects of the building.  Although some things are being done to promote sustainabiliy, new technology can be added, such as solar panels and green roofs, to add to the sustainablity of the building.  Another thing that PFH could improve on is promotion of the facility.  Around campus, not a lot of advertising for the PFH is seen.  Many students may not know about the facility or what it could be used for.  

Overall, the PFH is a great space that can be used for many different things. Check out this video for the Perry Field House!

BGSU Stroh Center

Frankly, I am a little disappointed in the Stroh Center.  I think it is a nice facility and all, but I think we could have done a lot more with the building.  Even though it would have cost more money it would have been beneficial for the Stroh Center to be able to be used for many other events.  Some ideas could be a multi-functional floor that can be changed from basketball to ice to a concert floor etc.  I think for the purpose of meeting the needs of student athletes for a training facility the Stroh Center is a great place.  There is a main court and a practice court and plenty of locker room space.  But what can it do other than hold basketball and volleyball?  Events can be held in there, but from personal experience the acoustics in the building are horrible for any commencement speeches or movies that can be played on the video board.  If a concert is held in the Stroh Center, companies have to bring it is own lighting system to be built from the ground.  I cannot hold anything from the ceiling.  Overall, the Stroh is a nice building, but I am disappointed with the abilities of the space.

I think BGSU should have taken a look at the Nutter Center at Wright State University in Dayton Ohio.

Ervin J. Nutter Center--Wright State University

This facility has the option to host a variety of events.  It serves as the basketball and volleyball arenas, a concert hall, an ice arena, a commencement arena and more.  Events like concerts, plays, monster trucks and more have been hosted in this facility.  It also serves as a training sight for Wright State University Sports.  Not to mention the Dayton Bombers, a minor league professional hockey team, uses the facility as its home arena.  It may not look as pretty as the Stroh center and may not be LEED certified, but it sure is able to do a heck of a lot more than what the Stroh can do. 

BGSU is a lot bigger school than Wright State University.  If it is possible for the Nutter Center to be located at a smaller school, why can’t BGSU have the same or even bigger?

In the field of tourism there are a few drawbacks when considering the world of changing technology.  First, with the movement the Internet and email, most processes only need a few messages to get things done.  This takes away from personal connections people make when trying to do something.  For example, who hires travel agents any more?  Websites like Travelocity and Expedia does everything for you.  Hence, travel agents has become a job that really doesn’t exist anymore.  Whelp! There goes that personal connection.

Secondly, another drawback of technology in the tourism field is that technology can be expensive.  With computers becoming “outdated” every 18 months or so, who has the money to constantly keep up with changing and advancing technology.  Now, I know that businesses really aren’t going to buy a new computer every year and a half but take into consideration the cost of updating software programs as well.  Also, in today’s world offices need more than computers.  They need copy and fax machines and printers as well.  Most of these may be a one time cost that needs replacing every few years, but wouldn’t it be cheaper to keep that personal connection and get rid of it all?

Even though there are some drawbacks to technology.  There are some positive aspects as well.  For example, getting information out quicker and to larger amounts of people than just your personal network.  The technology allows for the expansion of information eventually leading to globalization.  The website Constant Contact is a software program used to create an event and market it out to your online network.  Now, we all know that our online networks are larger than our personal networks.  Facebook allows us to have 5000 friends.  And think about how many people they are friends with.

Some strengths for this application are…

1. Its easy to use

2. It can link to Facebook and Twitter

3. and it looks professional

Some weaknesses are…

1.  There is a fee and

2. It takes away from handmade or personal invitations

Signed,

BMC

In speaking of who is responsible in demonstrating negligence, both the individual and entity are responsible as related to the Steinbach article.  As stated in class, negligence is an unintentional tort that injures a person, property or reputation. 

For those who were badly or fatally injured in a field sporting event, negligence can be credited to the individual by not paying attention to his or her surroundings.  Honestly, it is a sporting event where things like a discus or hammer are thrown.  It should be known to be aware of surroundings. 

As for entities, demonstrating negligence can be found on their end as well.  All participants should be given rules, regulations and safety/risk management strategies prior to every meet, no matter if they have heard everything before.  Also, in concern for practicing areas should be sectioned off for participants to use without concern of innocent bystanders getting injured.  It seems that an appropriate risk management strategy was not put in place for the various cases that were discussed in the article.  Of course these cases are all unintentional, but there should be no reason for the injuries to have occurred in the first place.   

The facility itself can play a huge role in implementing a risk management plan as well as preventing negligence.  If negligence is apparent, it should not be because of improper facility procedure.  The facility needs to have a risk management plan.  Not only does the facilty need to have a plan in place but the client needs  a risk management strategy as well.  Before any track and field event takes place in a certain location, the entity should require said plan from the client.   As discussed in the article, renovations or alterations have been made to make risk of injury less of a probability.  With these new renovations/guidelines a new risk management procedure may need to be established.  Also, any employees need to be properly trained of the new procedures.  Implementation of the new process is key to making sure things do not go badly.  Without proper management the risk of negligence is severly heightened.

Building a New Eppler Center

Objectives– Create a streamlined building, Update capabilities of physical activity spaces

Basic Assumptions– Eppler is confusing and poorly built, Room temperatures are either freezing or boiling

Comparable Facility Analysis– Updated and easier to navigate

Factors Affecting Planning– Funding, community support, could update old building- 50% rule

Explanation of Current and Proposed Programming– New building allows for more activity rooms for PEG classes, dance or club sports.  Allow better space for student organizations and events.

Preliminary Data– Use for a certain number of classes each semester and a number of students

Space Needs and Allocation-Large, Medium and Small classrooms for adaptability, lower level activity areas, upper levels classrooms

Purpose and Use of Auxiliary Space– Ability to have more PEG classes, dance classes etc.  Use for student organization meetings and special events.

Service Facilities– Needs a frequently staffed office for room bookings for use of auxiliary space

Projected Use of Existing- Could use old building for offices, possibility of tearing down and rebuilding new in same location

Spatial Relationships- Make rooms big enough to avoid crowding, follow ADA guidelines on aisle ways etc.

Environmental Necessities– Incorporate various green features to keep building running at low cost to environment

Equipment and Furnishings– Need classroom seating, ability for audio visual equipment, lounge area furniture, activity room needs, lockers etc.

 After taking a tour of the Student Recreation Center, the first facility element I would like to comment on is the accessibility of the building. Based on the fact that the building was built before ADA requirements were enacted, I see it being very difficult to adapt to said requirements and find it a possibility that the building is not up to date on ADA standards. There is one elevator that leads to all three levels of the building, but I did not see a ramp to use in case the elevator is out of order or there is an emergency such as a fire. I would recommend for one to be built or to find an alternative way for disabled users to move floors or exit the building. Take a look at this article found discussing new ADA requirements for Recreational Agencies. The SRC may be able to use some of these elements to adapt to new requirements.

The second facility element I would like to critique is the Cooper Pool adaptability. The additional seating that can be extended in the rock wall area for an audience is a useful way to maximize space. Although, this would hinder the use of the rock wall during those times, it gives the facility the capability to adjust to the needs of competition needs. This design feature is ideal for those wishing to view a swim competition; however is not ideal for rock climbing enthusiasts. I would recommend to relocate the rock wall into an unused squash room on a lower level of the building so that during swim meets, it is still accessible for use.  Or, perhaps a different building for “outdoor” type events such as a rock wall etc. could be used similar to Ohio State University’s Recreation Department.

Welcome to BMC, passions of a twenty-something!

I never really gave much attention to bloggers, bogging and the blog world in general, but as I am beginning to take intrest I am finding that they can be quite inspirational.

So here’s the beginning. In coming posts you will see the things that I am passionate about, in hopes that it inspires at least one other.