SALT LAKE CITY–The University of Utah has opened the University Federal Credit Union Playfield, which is uniquely located on the top of a four-level parking structure in the middle of campus.
The playfield was made possible through a lead gift from the UFCU and is in addition to the CU’s previous contribution to the George S. Eccles Student Life Center, which created UFCU’s The Core workout center. In all, the UFCU’s monetary contributions have helped the university continue to build a positive campus community that creates more opportunities for students to make lifelong friendships outside of the traditional classroom setting.
The Education Credit Union Council was first to report the news.
“By kicking off the University Federal Credit Union Playfield, we celebrate the beginning of a new era on the University of Utah campus,” Barb Snyder, vice president of student affairs at the University of Utah, was quoted by the ECUC as saying. “This is an era which recognizes that achievement takes a network of relationships both inside and outside the classroom and that living healthy, active, productive lives is essential. These relationships take students from the lab to the playfield all while creating an enriched campus life teeming with ideas, enthusiasm, and synergy. We could not have done this without the donations of the UFCU.”
“We are always happy to support education, and we relish our 60 years of history and tradition with the U,” said Jack Buttars, president and CEO of the University Federal Credit Union, according to the ECUC. “Creating a space where students are able to actively work together while engaging mind and body is a great way to bolster relationships as well as educational pursuits. We are proud to contribute and provide these great resources, and we feel it is a boon to the U campus and the entire Utah community.”
With the addition of the Eccles Student Life Center and UFCU Playfield, the university said it has seen a 60% increase in sports clubs and intramurals and 97% increase in participation in campus recreation overall. Altogether, more than 5,000 students participate in sports clubs and teams annually.