Salient. Official Newspaper of the Victoria University Students' Association. Vol 44 No. 5. March 30 1981

Rec Centre — Recreation Centre comes to its census

Rec Centre

Recreation Centre comes to its census

Drawing of a person reading about kung fu in a bean bag

This week there will be survey of Recreation Centre use. Well, not really a survey; more a head-count (small-scale arch-duke) I suppose. What I mean is, if someone accosts you with a clip-board in the sauna or rides up enquiringly alongside your exercycle, please keep your head (still) until it's significantly counted. A wink is as good as a nod but both are distracting. You don't have to declare your lack of income or interest. Silent majority status will be respected.

Numbers don't count

Of course I know that recreation is sort of, you know, qualitative. When people say:

"Is the Recreation Centre well used?"
I say:
"Oh, gentle enquiring One, it is; it is.
Within its rough-hewn walls
Grace (large-scale arch-duchess) plays with agile strength.
The youthful joyful movement make.
Meditation sits
And spirits in this place are not confined."
Then they say:
"That wasn't what I meant at all."

Figures not facts

What they wanted at all was a statement issued in good measure. People who give their heads to be counted have a right to that. So here's a statement looking for issue.

Surveys of usage have tended to suggest that about 20% of students enrolled at Victoria University visit the Recreation Centre in a typical week.

Male/Female numbers reflect the university roll ratio.

The Science Faculty provides more than a proportionate share of users.

Lunch-times are hectic.

Typical weeks are becoming rarer.

That's the sort of issued statement that finance committees and long-term planners need. In the end, we must all render a count. Ours is due. Take note but take no notice.