Radcliffe Will Open Gym Next Month, Receives $400,000 From Kresge Fund

The newly constructed Radcliffe Quadrangle Recreational Athletic Center--bolstered by a $400,000 grant from the Kresge Foundation--will open in late October, President Horner said yesterday.

Harvard will receive the Kresge "challenge" grant only when the University collects the remainder of the $2.25 million needed for construction of the gym, Horner said.

The gym has been a target of community opposition since the fall of 1977, when Observatory Hill residents petitioned to delay construction of the center. Construction began in September of 1978.

No Problems

Lewis A. Armistead, Community Relations representative, said yesterday there have been no objections to the construction of the center since last fall.

President Horner said many of those who objected to the proposed construction of the center are now enthusiastic about its appearance.

Adaptation

Susan Storey Lyman '49, chairman of the Radcliffe Board of Trustees, said Radcliffe attempted to ensure that the building blended in with its surrounding area. "I'm very thrilled and excited about the results," she said.

The center houses four single squash courts, two double squash courts convertible for handball and raquetball, a large court for basketball, volleyball and tennis, a Universal gym, outdoor tennis courts, and locker rooms.

"The building is really quite spectacular," President Horner said, adding the center is scheduled to open October 25.

The campaign for funding of the athletic center is part of Radcliffe's Century Fund Drive.

Lyman headed a committee of Observatory Hill residents and Radcliffe administrators and alumnae to oversee the construction of the center and to ensure it merged well with the surrounding area.

Lyman said the building is well suited for the area, with the squash courts and much of the center built into the hill.

A committee of students, alumnae, and House Masters and other staff appointed by President Horner in 1973 concluded that the center was needed for those Quad residents who often made the long trek to the IAB.