Progress on the Student Recreation Center is going well. So well, in fact, that money from an emergency fund is now being used to construct a new bouldering circuit within the next year.

According to Bryan Haunert, the director of facilities, operations and services for the rec center and overseer of the rec center expansion project, the bouldering unit is now going to be a part of the larger Rec Center project.

When planning began for the rec center expansion, the bouldering unit was omitted from the reconstruction agenda due to a lack of funding —  not all of the programs could be included — bouldering, along with a few others, was cut.

Haunert explained that for any large expansion project like this, emergency funds are set aside to prepare for a variety of unforeseen circumstances. Rec center construction is on track in terms of progress and so far no major problems have arisen.

“The project is now in a position to add back into the project design the expanded bouldering element,” Haunert said. “Physical Education & Recreation is currently working with our architects and construction manager general contractors to put together a budget for these improvements.”

As of right now, there are no solid plans for what the new bouldering unit will include. Within the next couple of weeks, a rock climbing company is expected to come to the UO and begin brainstorming ideas for the new wall, according to Haunert.

Alec Wright, a sophomore and frequent rock climber explained that students were originally frustrated by the rock wall not being included in the rec center expansion.

“I love the UO rock wall and I’m excited to see the new additions coming next year,” Wright said. “A lot of kids rock climb. It’s a good way to stay active and prepare yourself for outdoor climbing.”

Haunert said final decisions regarding the expansion of the bouldering unit will be announced within the next month.