I couldn’t help but smile the other day as I peered into what was once the Dickinson Dining Hall, whereupon I saw a group of middle-aged women working out to a stereo soundtrack in the now-empty corridor.
This came as somewhat of a surprise to me, albeit an amusing one: It didn’t seem like these women were students, yet there they were out on that floor — the same space where I spent my first two years scrapping together a crappy meal — and it looked like they were enjoying themselves.
It was strangely reminiscent, seeing these women do their cardio. All I thought was, “Wow, what a transformation, from mediocre cafeteria to FitSpace for moms.”
I truly wish I missed you, “The Dick” — as it was so often called. Although I must say it’s nice to see someone reaping benefits from this building, it makes me wonder what else can be done to utilize the extra space.
It’s in a prime location on campus. It has a stage. It’s still got a kitchen. Let’s get creative here, folks. The ghost of ye olde Binghamton Campus Pub is longing for a revival.
I’ll admit that I haven’t exactly done the research on “The Dick’s” fall 2011 schedule, but shouldn’t the area now be geared for the students and not just members of the community looking to get a workout?
Or, on a more humanitarian note, perhaps it should serve a higher purpose: to benefit the community in the wake of our local disaster. The idea of a shelter, a fallback for people still in need, should not be overlooked.
But if the school wanted to make some more money from students, they should consider other options.
Be honest: Who wouldn’t love an on-campus rink? Ice skating, rollerblading, curling, shuffle boarding — take your pick. Though it would be expensive, think of how much more fun construction crews would have by abandoning their current projects and instead focusing on building an indoor disco rink fully equipped with a diner-style snack bar.
In reality, one of the things the campus really needs, and I don’t think I’m alone in this, is more parking. So, for argument’s sake, why not turn the whole damn thing into a parking lot?
One can only dream.