DOWAGIAC — Following a few-week renovation, the fitness center on Southwestern Michigan College’s Dowagiac campus reopened for business on June 5.

Summer hours are 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

Plumbing in the Charles O. Zollar Building, built in 1970, had developed drainage issues which SMC’s building and grounds department wanted to address, said SMC staff. It was determined the best time to tackle this project was immediately following this spring’s graduation to minimize disruption for students.

The one-month project came at an opportune time to re-imagine the space and update its layout, so on-campus and community users were surveyed. Their input led to the following:

• Slightly altered the mix of cardio equipment

• Upgraded flooring to better support a range of weight machines

• Added mirrors

• Arranged space to provide more room for stretching and core exercises

• Kettlebells

• Improved flow around free-weight training.

“Workout preferences change over time,” said SMC President David Mathews. “We’re always listening to students and looking to affordably improve the experience for them, our employees and our other members.”

The fitness center is part of the renovated and expanded Student Activity Center, which was re-dedicated Aug. 16, 2009, along with Keith H. McKenzie Hall, the first of three student residences.

Originally dedicated on Sept. 20, 1970, the Zollar Building, where the fitness center is located, was named for this area’s 1965-78 state senator who championed community colleges in the legislature. Zollar died in 1988.

The SAC, what SMC considers to be the hub for student life, also features a coffee and snack bar, a video game room, pool, ping pong and foosball tables, three resistance pools, the canyon rock room, an 80-seat event theatre, a large-screen TV, a gymnasium and racquetball courts.

Zollar Café sells coffee, smoothies, sandwiches and breakfast items. Outdoor venues include six miles of wooded trails and soccer, softball and flag football fields. Fitness classes include yoga, Zumba and Body Pump. There is an outdoor patio and WiFi access as well.

“We’re proud of the facility and encourage those interested in using it to come take a look,” said SAC manager Bill Roggeman.

SAC admission is free for current students.

Community members may buy three-month, six-month and 12-month memberships. Members must be 16 years of age. Day passes are also available for purchase. Prospective users can call (800) 456-8675, 782-1484 or email sac@swmich.edu for more information.