As students at the University at Buffalo’s South Campus, we are concerned about the loss of accessible recreation facilities on South Campus during the planned closure of Clark Hall. With the closure expected to last from March 2027 through September 2030, South Campus students could be without a convenient on-campus exercise facility for more than three years.

Many students live on or near South Campus, and others spend most of their academic day there. Requiring these students to travel to North Campus every time they want to exercise creates an additional barrier to accessing recreation. A trip to North Campus can require significant additional time, particularly for students who rely on campus shuttles or public transportation. During Buffalo winters, the distance and weather can make that barrier even greater.

We recognize that the University has explored using Acheson Annex as a temporary recreation facility and that bringing the building up to code for this purpose was ultimately determined to be cost-prohibitive. However, the inability to use Acheson Annex should not mean that South Campus students simply lose convenient access to recreation for the duration of the Clark Hall closure.

A three-and-a-half-year closure is not a short-term inconvenience. For many current students, it represents a significant portion of their college experience. Students who begin at UB before the closure may graduate without having convenient access to recreation facilities on the campus where they live and attend classes.

We therefore ask the University to identify and pursue a viable South Campus recreation solution for the duration of the Clark Hall closure. This could include temporary recreation space, repurposing an existing facility, partnerships with nearby fitness facilities, expanded recreation programming, or another solution that provides meaningful access to exercise without requiring students to travel to North Campus.

We also ask the University to consider the transportation burden created by relying exclusively on North Campus facilities. If students are expected to travel between campuses for recreation, adequate and reliable transportation should be available, including during evenings and weekends.

Access to recreation is an important part of campus life. A South Campus recreation option would benefit not only students who live nearby, but also students, faculty, and staff who spend their days on South Campus and have limited time between classes, work, and other responsibilities.

We are asking the University at Buffalo to commit to providing accessible recreation opportunities on or near South Campus throughout the Clark Hall closure.

Please sign this petition to demonstrate student support for a meaningful South Campus recreation solution. Students should not have to choose between spending significant additional time traveling to North Campus and giving up regular access to exercise. A temporary closure should not result in the permanent loss of a convenient and accessible part of campus life.