Trucks delivered the first shipment in a series of deliveries of exercise equipment for the new State Gym athletic facility, which is currently still under construction.

Although one of the trucks was delayed in Colorado due to weather, the rest of the equipment is scheduled to be delivered throughout the remainder of the week. The first truck brought off bikes and lockers and the remaining trucks will deliver everything from treadmills to weightlifting equipment.

“This is just one step of getting everything in that building and getting it up and running for this spring,” said Garry Greenlee, associate director of recreation services.

Moving the exercise equipment is one of many tasks that must be completed before the opening of the State Gym, which is proposed to be completed early spring 2012.

“They’re bringing in the equipment, and it’s up to us to test it, and then we can get that part of the project checked off,” Greenlee said.

However, building construction is not yet complete. Contractors still have painting to electrical work to panel installation that will take place over the coming months and winter break.

“This is a good indication that certain aspects of the facilities are ready to go,” said Michael Giles, director of recreation services. “There’s still a good bit of behind the scenes stuff that has to be done.”

The next major task on the agenda for construction will be the hiring and training of staff to work in State Gym, which will begin after Thanksgiving break. Giles was unable to give an exact date for the opening of the gym but estimated completion to be sometime early next spring.

“There’s still a good number of things that have to get done, but we’re very confident that it will get done,” Giles said.