The Rec Field-A Peaceful Place for Competition

A Review of Western Washington University’s Rec Field by Christian Stromme

First impressions of a place can create a lasting mental image that can be either a brutal vision or, on the flip side, a beautiful and positive association. The latter description is the first and lasting impression I have of Western’s high quality rec field, which can be utilized by all students on campus. My striking first impression of the rec field keeps me coming back. As the sun set quietly behind the trees surrounding the field on a brisk winter evening, I took the field for my first recreational soccer game here at Western. Nearby, students buzz a Frisbee overhead while soccer balls continuously hit the back of the nets on opposite ends of the damp turf field. This evening left a lasting impact on my view of the rec field, but I knew that just one exciting night on the field was not enough to give me a thorough description. In the upcoming weeks I spent several days on the field playing games like football and Spikeball, along with my usual rec soccer game. I quickly came to the conclusion that the rec field not only serves the purpose of being a place to partake in various sporting activities, it is also a highly social and scenic area as well. The size of the field provides an opportunity for multiple events to be held simultaneously. Each season holds opportunities for different recreational sporting events; in the fall and spring, Spikeball and football take place on the field, while the winter holds great potential for recreational soccer participation and observation. Although participating in these sports meets my interests, it is important to keep an open mind as you go to the rec field. You never know what recreational sport or activity you may end up playing after arriving at this beautiful field.

A beautiful brick colored track surface surrounds the soft, yet rugged, sharp green turf. Sitting on both ends of the field are large pads and other track equipment. The rec field is used not only for recreational sports but it also serves as the practice space for the track and field team and other Western sports teams as well. The large field is often occupied by the long list of athletics here at Western Washington University. A variety of sports teams utilize the field, ranging from club sports such as women’s lacrosse and men’s rugby, to the University’s track and field team. Multiple train crates, which have been converted into locker rooms, sit on the edge of the field. Jacob Hino, a member of the track team, has his own opinion about the field: “Being a student-athlete requires a lot of time and dedication, but having a facility like the rec field is a huge benefit to the players that are out here every day practicing and competing. The locker rooms in the crates are small but I don’t need a whole lot of gear for what I do, compared to some other sports, so that is solid as well.”

Because recreational sports often take place after WWU athletic teams practice, these activities often take place after dark. Bright lighting on the rec field brings an extra ambiance to evening activities. One of my first experiences at the field took place under the lights. After the sun had set, the referees put on their jerseys for a long night of officiating soccer games and players began to herd onto the field. The field is divided into multiple sections with 6v6 soccer in action all across the field, using the majority of the cold turf on a starry night. Runner’s pass by on the track beside the field, varying from slow to fast, as they all make the relentless effort to be out here. The field can be compared to a stadium without the seats. Because no seats are in place, that leaves more room for people to participate or spectate on the open field. The most common recreational uses of the field are soccer, football and running. Skill levels of players vary in recreational sports. Everyone has the opportunity to experience the games, the lights and the atmosphere, regardless of ability. If you take the first step and go to the field, you will leave with lasting memories that will keep you coming back.

On the far side of the field nearest the rec center is the only drinking fountain on the field. This is the lone problem I have encountered at the field that I would like to see improved. This complaint is prevalent among users of the field, including a fellow student and friend, David Whittle. Upon asking Dave if he had any problems with the rec field, he replied, “I don’t have much to complain about, the field is really nice and everyone is friendly that I’m with there. I guess the only thing that is annoying, is when I’m in the middle of a flag football game and need some water, I have to run to the opposite end of the field to get a drink.” The lack of more drinking fountains raises some concerns for people that don’t bring water bottles to their recreational games. Every person playing even moderately intense sports on the rec field needs water, and it would be helpful to have it easily accessible on various sections of the field.

Activities on the rec field take place around the clock. Everything at the field has a purpose for the wide variety of activities taking place there. The field is extremely aesthetically pleasing and utilizes every bit of space for the benefit of its users. If you don’t like to play team sports or you prefer quieter times, the track and field are open early in the mornings and the lights shut down at midnight. Western also provides a weekly schedule, listed under “Outdoor Sport Facilities section”, for all events taking place on the turf so you can plan accordingly. Practice and game times are listed months in advance, and various features include special events, active sports clubs, and intramural registration (Campus Recreation Services). If you are looking for a place to wind down after a long day of studying and classes, come on down to the field for a peaceful run around the track, hang out with friends, or pick up a sport that you have been wanting to play in a community of others.

More than just a place for teams to practice, the rec field is a great asset to the students and community of Western Washington University. For the vast majority of people that use the field in the open hours, it can create a sense of belonging and community to grow as an athlete as well as an individual. Having a dedicated place to join others in outdoor physical activity is a health benefit to our community. The purpose of the field for me is to enjoy the group aspect of sports, but the rec field has endless potential for anyone that makes use of this place.