by Matt Hemmendinger
Daily Lobo
Johnson Center is more than just a place to work out and play intramurals - those are just two of the numerous opportunities provided by the center and its staff.
While intramurals is the first program most students may think of, it is just the beginning of a long list of chances the student body as well as faculty staff and area youth have to enjoy what Johnson Center has to offer.
"We offer lots of youth programming especially for children of faculty and staff," Fred Perez director of Recreational Services said.
Getaway Adventures is a Johnson Center program run by Assistant Director of Public Relations Laura Montoya that takes students out of the city to learn various skills, sports and knowledge about nature and New Mexican culture. Activities range from whitewater rafting and Scuba diving to visiting the Santa Fe markets.
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As the name suggests, the program is designed to allow students to get away from normal campus life and relax while enjoying a sport or hobby they take interest in.
According to Montoya, the different programs teach students about the activity then take them out to the field to use their newly acquired skills. Montoya said she takes pleasure in seeing students enjoy the same hike or river trip that she has done many times before.
"I always love the hikes and trips regardless of how many times I have been on them," she said.
Montoya has been working with programs similar to Getaway Adventures for 14 years.
During the summer, much of the programming is geared to children in the area. Johnson Center is host to a multitude of various summer camps and swimming lessons. Perez said that these camps are designed to "showcase the fun parts of the University."
The camps are also an opportunity for UNM students to get experience in their field of interest. Student workers are assigned leadership roles in the camps, taking kids on trips such as nature hikes, whitewater rafting and fly-fishing trips. People like Montoya and Pool Manager Dirk Wilken got their start as students working in Johnson Center and eventually took on permanent staff positions.
Johnson Center currently employs between 150-170 students in various positions such as intramural sports officials, lifeguards, gym attendants and camp counselors.
Perez said some small changes are being put into place for the coming fall. He said that his staff is focusing on ensuring the building's security. New card scanners will be able to generate students' pictures when they swipe their I.D.s to ensure it is the correct person's card.
John Elliott, a senior at UNM, enjoys Johnson's basketball courts. However, one improvement he would like to see is for the floors to be cared for better.
"It would be nice if they could make it so they weren't so slippery." Elliott said. "And drawing in the three-point line would be cool too."
Elliott organizes Saturday afternoon pick-up games with his friends at Johnson.
"It's just great, having 10 friends playing and having a good time," he said. "Getting in shape and being in better shape for the fall when intramurals start."
Robin Lupton, a sophomore at UNM and lifeguard for Johnson pool says that "the facilities are awesome, people just need to use them more. Most people don't realize that the pool is available for open swimming all day."
Johnson's pool also caters to handicapped individuals' needs. The staff is trained in assisting people with special needs and the facility itself has a special therapy pool.
In the future, students may see the addition of a climbing wall and possibly a health food restaurant. Perez and Montoya want to keep increasing the amount of activities offered and the availability of the center for student recreation. Perez would ultimately like to have two separate facilities - one for classes and one for general recreation.
During the summer, Johnson's hours have been shortened, closing at 8:45 p.m. rather than 9:45. Students should also be aware of possible upcoming closings that will be posted around the building.
Johnson Center is also planning to refinish the floors of all of the basketball courts and the racquetball courts before the fall semester begins. These projects will be done at different times in an effort to prevent the complete closing of the center. At this time, Johnson officials are unsure of whether they will have to shut down the entire center or not. This will be decided by Aug. 1.
