September 08, 2003

CSUS Aquatic Center gets new look

When the CSUS Aquatic Center at Lake Natoma opened more than 20 years ago it was a series of metal containers used to house the meager inventory of kayaks, canoes, sail boats and rowing hulls. Today, the center is in the midst of a $6 million renovation that will transform it into a top-notch facility fitting of its ranking as one of Rowing News magazine’s “top 10 places to row.”

In a unique partnership with the California Department of Boating and Waterways and the California Department of Parks and Recreation, CSUS Associated Students operates the Aquatic Center and provides recreational classes, rentals and camps, and boating safety courses to students, staff and the general public. In addition, the facility serves as the home to the CSUS water ski and rowing teams, as well as the site for many national-level rowing competitions.

The center will also be the location of this year’s faculty and staff gala at 5:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 12. It is located at 1901 Hazel Ave. in Rancho Cordova.

Brian Dulgar, operations manager of the Aquatic Center, says that center staff works to provide a good experience for the many different people who use the facility each year. “We want to make sure that everyone from a beginning kayaker to an experienced sailor enjoys their experience here. We cater to all levels of experience,” he says.

The first phase of the expansion was completed last spring and included two boat storage areas, classroom, meeting and locker room facilities, and new docking facilities. Concrete pedestrian walkways, asphalt driveway turnarounds and improved water and sewer connections were also included.

“It really makes coming to the Aquatic Center a lot more convenient for students who may have a class after a rowing workout and need to shower, or someone from the community who wants to row before going to work,” Dulgar says.

Phase two of the project will include improved beach access and an additional instruction and administration building. The cost of the renovation – $6 million – was made possible through funds from the Department of Boating and Waterways marine fuel tax. The University is also on its way to raising $200,000 in donations from community members.

Besides the die-hard rowing teams that train on the lake, often in the wee hours of the morning, the center serves the general public, offering a number of different programs for all levels of ability and interest. Summer brings a number of camps for kids, including the popular Summer Youth Aquatic Camp, a week-long camp that offers instruction in sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, water skiing and more. The center serves more than 3,500 kids each year in their various boating programs.

CSUS faculty, staff, students and alumni can also take classes – as well as rent kayaks, canoes, sailboats and windsurfers – at a discount. For more information call the Center at 985-7239 or visit www.csusaquaticcenter.com.

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