After enduring the Flood of 1993 and thousands of pairs of athletic shoes trekking across it, the Lied Recreation Center has received new flooring.

Steve VanDerKamp, associate director of Recreation Services, said the previous carpet was more than 8 years old and showing wear. He also said the carpet was difficult to keep clean following effects of the ’93 flood.

The entryway to the rec center was recarpeted with a coarse blue carpeting. VanDerKamp said this helps to remove sand and dirt from shoes, therefore keeping the rest of the floor cleaner.

The remainder of the first level was refloored with a “rubber material” that is much easier to clean than the old floor, VanDerKamp said.

On the third floor’s fitness center, carpeting with a rubber backing was placed. VanDerKamp said the flooring is shock-absorbent and can withstand weights being dropped on it.

VanDerCamp said the carpeting also is good for exercising. He added that he has seen the flooring used at other universities and that it has been very successful.

Rachel Smith, a lead supervisor at the rec center, said while the rec center was under construction until May 26, most patrons were understanding. The flooring downstairs was torn up for approximately two weeks, and the upstairs was under construction for around three weeks, she said.

Smith said some people were upset when portions of the facility, such as the racquetball courts, were closed during the process. The only time the whole facility was closed, however, was over the Memorial Day weekend to allow time to finish the whole project, she said.

Sander Ludeman, a frequent patron of the rec center, said he found the fitness center at the rec being closed “an inconvenience since there are no other comparable facilities on campus to lift weights at.”

He added, however, that the inconvenience was worth the wait because the new rubber-backed flooring can withstand more stress, and it is easier to clean.

“There have been mixed reactions to the new facilities, but overall most people have been happy,” Smith said.

VanDerKamp said further remodeling at the rec center will include replacing the saunas with steam rooms in both the men’s and women’s locker rooms. The project will begin this week and should be finished within a few weeks, VanDerKamp said. He said the remodeling should not interfere with use of the locker rooms.