Going outside an enriching alternative to rec center

Editor,

In response to the recent controversy surrounding the proposal of a new recreation center, I decided to draft a plan for an alternative to this $57 million center. My plan is cheaper and more energy efficient. I call it this: going outside.

If or when my plan of going outside is implemented, an endless myriad of recreational activities will be available to students at virtually no cost. When going outside, students will be allowed to run, play soccer, hockey, tennis, golf and much more at their own leisure. And as far as a rock wall, going outside features hundreds of them, except it's not just one rock wall. It's a whole range of them called the Sandia Mountains.

Also, going outside features realistic weather conditions that will enhance your experience and improve your game while taking nothing from the environment. Evidence has even shown that going outside may decrease anxiety and reduce the risk of depression. The only thing missing from my plan of going outside are showers, which people would (hopefully) substitute for at home.

I will concede, however, that both plans have their pros and cons. Before we make any drastic decisions, I suggest we give going outside a try first. If it works, we may have an extra $57 million for things like education or student health care. The possibilities are endless.

Sean DeBuck

UNM student