Tyler Stauffer photo: The previous changing room in the Rec Center is seen in this Jan. 2010 Merciad file photo.After a long exhausting workout at the gym, the first thing on most minds is taking a nice long shower to rinse the sweat and grime away.

This was not possible before the renovations of the Mercyhurst College Recreation Center locker room.

The previous open changing area locker room was roughly 1,300 square feet but has been transformed into separate women and men locker rooms with several added facilities.

The new and improved locker rooms now include four showers, two toilets and three sinks in each room.

There are about 60 lockers where students can leave their stuff. Locks are not provided for the lockers. Students can bring their own locks if they choose to do so.

With gender-divided rooms, students are not forced to change in bathroom stalls as they did before.

The installment of showers allows students to shower after their workout and is useful for those working out in between classes.

“The new locker rooms are a lot more organized now and very nice,” junior Carly DiPasquale said. “I like having the option of showering since I commute.”Photo by Ethan Magoc: The Rec Center’s $215,400 locker room area was constructed during the summer, as seen in this Merciad file photo, and into September.

The construction for the project began July 12, and continued until roughly the first week of September.

“We all knew it was needed and was a wanted renovation for a long time,” Director of Recreation Tom Herman said. “I met with the current student government president to talk about how showers and more privacy were needed.”

With about 500 people using the gym each day, having more options in the locker room is highly beneficial.

The renovations cost about $215,400.

Jill Barrile photo: Mercyhurst’s Rec Center now features a full locker room complete with showers and individual changing stalls.No problems came about during construction, and the end result appears to be a success. Only positive feedback has been given about the renovations so far.

“They look really nice with all of the showers, lockers and stalls,” freshman Brittany McCulloch said. “The improvements all turned out looking great.”

Herman is pleased with the renovations as well.

“It was an overdue project and goal to get new locker rooms,” he said. “This was accomplished, so I’m very happy with the results.”