Southern Utah University has continued to grow its student population each year, which requires more classrooms and buildings to accommodate the ever-growing student enrollment. This summer, SUU began tearing down the old outdoor garage next to the business building to add more classrooms for business majors.
Outdoors’ new location at 356 S Main Street has helped with local foot traffic. Even with the move off campus, students have still gone to get their rentals or any other outdoor supplies they need.
“Most folks are checking in to see what we’re all about, and are surprised that SUU Outdoors has been open to rentals to not only students but to community members as well for the last 20 years,” said the director of SUU Outdoors Recreation Derek Bryan. “Obviously, being on Main Street has helped facilitate that increase of queries and check-ins.”
The new space is similar in size, but Bryan has been working with SUU facilities to add some storage on the south side of the existing building. Adding more room will make the main building more open for students and locals to pick up outdoor rentals.
Like any move, there have been growing pains and hard decisions about the layout. However, students and locals still have easy access to the best rental prices in town.
“It’s also allowed the community to see and interact with us more, helping our students to have more interaction with locals, make new connections, and serve beyond their peers,” stated Bryan. “The future of SUU Outdoors is bright!”
For more information about SUU Outdoors and what is offered at the garage, check out their website or stop by the new location. They are always happy to help with any of your outdoor needs!
Author: Chevy Blackburn
Photographer: Gannon Lovisa
Editor: Kayd Johanson
outdoors@suunews.net
