NWC to renovate four-court area

Workers will begin a major refurbishing of part of Northwestern College’s DeWitt Physical Fitness Center at the end of this school year. The four-court area, which includes an indoor track and space for basketball, tennis and volleyball, will be redressed with new flooring and lighting as well as an updated heating system. Windows will be added near the ceiling to allow natural light into the space.

“The track will have almost twice as much cushioning as before, so it will offer more protection to runners,” says Dale Thompson, Rowenhorst Student Center director.

Thompson says a new netting system will enable activity to be isolated on courts for more flexibility. “We’ll be able to do two things at once and do them safely. People will be able to walk or run on the track without worrying about the possibility of having balls come into their space.”

The $1.5 million renovation project is funded largely by contributions from donors. Completion is expected in September.