The Student Government Association’s House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill Tuesday to allocate money toward the creation of a challenge course. Perry Cunningham, Neeley School of Business representative, and Chad Dresser, Student Body representative, said they wrote the bill after delegates from the University Recreation Center approached the Campus Advancement Committee about the possibility of a new challenge course.

Cunningham said the Recreation Center will start the planning process. The total cost is estimated at $63,825, he said.

The course will be designed by Adventure Experiences, Inc., Cunningham said, and it is scheduled to be completed by fall 2008.

The allocated money will come from the SGA reserve and the Campus Advancement Committee funds, he said.

Thomas Pressly, SGA vice president and Campus Advancement Committee chair, said Campus Advancement supports the passing of this bill.

“This is a priority for campus advancement, and it is a great way to positively affect the students of TCU,” Pressly said.

Steve Kintigh, director of Campus Recreation, said he appreciates the House’s support.

“Over the 20 years I’ve been here we’ve had collaborative projects with the House, but nothing this big,” Kintigh said. “Credit will for sure be given to SGA in some form or another.”

Kintigh said after the completion of the course, whether painted or attached as a plaque, SGA will receive the appropriate signage on the course.

“Usually, you only have to pay a third of the cost to have a building with your name on it,” Kintigh said. “They’re funding half.”

Cunningham said he thinks the new challenge course will be an asset to the TCU community.

“It will help students with team building and leadership exercises,” Cunningham said.

Kintigh agreed that the course is needed.

“The old course had wood warps and safety issues,” Kintigh said. “The new course will be a ‘wow’ experience for students who haven’t done it before. While the low elements are designed for team building, the high elements are much more individual and will help with self-esteem.”

Cunningham said all students and organizations will be welcomed to use the course, including any corporations that wish to apply for use.

“Whereas now the challenge course behind the stadium is virtually unusable, with the construction of a new course, corporations in the DFW area can pay to use this course,” Cunningham said.

Pressly said he thinks students will get a great deal.

“I think students are continuing to use challenge courses, but they’re using them off-campus,” Pressly said. “Whereas the new course on campus will be a lot cheaper and convenient.”

Kintigh said the course will be built on an empty lot in the grassy area behind the tennis courts. He said he does not know whether the athletic course will be made of steel or wood. He said even if the price does increase, the bid is firm and the changes will not affect the money given by the House.

Cunningham said after the course begins construction, it will only take two weeks to complete.