Case Study : California State University, Chico

When Chico State set out to develop its new Wildcat Recreation Center, it turned to AFP to handle the design, supply and installation of this massive complex. Because the facility was paid for with student dollars, the end result had to be nothing short of extraordinary. Bringing its full arsenal of industry-leading relationships, cost-effective and environmentally friendly solutions to the task, AFP delivered in grand fashion. An extensive project that required collaboration with the University and the City of Chico, AFP was able to help bring students and faculty the extraordinary facility they envisioned, while minimizing costs and logistical challenges every step of the way.

Project Summary

California State University, Chico and Advantage Fitness Products, (AFP) recently completed a project, four years in the making,  the elaborate fitness center installation within the newly developed Wild Cat Student Recreation Complex.  AFP handled all aspects of the multi-faceted installation, including design, layout, equipment supply and ongoing maintenance. With Chico being a classic “college town” with the University heavily integrated within the local community, AFP worked closely with the city of Chico to address all city-based logistics related to the substantial demands of the installation process.

AFP was selected by the university for its significant experience with student recreation center installations, and its track record for providing high-quality solutions, while keeping costs to a minimum. Because the new “Wild Cat Recreation Center” was funded through student tuition payments, it was critical that the facility exude an undeniable “wow” factor that would validate the student dollars spent.

Results

Led by National Accounts Manager, Paul Grierson, AFP collaborated with “Wild Cat Recreation Center” lead architects on design and planning, well in advance of groundbreaking to ensure every nuance affecting long-term value was addressed and pitfalls were avoided. Electrical wire routing and architectural design were approached with a mindset of keeping the facility scalable to accommodate future upgrades, without incurring significant construction costs down the road.

Once again, AFP tapped into its industry-leading manufacturer relationships to fulfill the impressive two-level “Wild Cat Recreation Center’s” every need. Its lower level offers every meaningful strength training resource, including resistance training machines, a full range of free weights, benches and dumbbells, and a wide array of core training and stretching accessories. The upper level is devoted to an extensive lineup of Cardio Theater equipment from the industry leaders at Precor. But the facility’s “wow” factor resides in much more than its extensive strength and conditioning elements. 

AFP was also involved in the installation of its indoor volleyball and basketball courts, soccer field, running track and outdoor pool. The facility features every environmentally conscious resource available, and meets LEED certification standards for environmentally compliant facilities. The installation process was no easy task. As a true “university town,” the city of Chico revolves around the university campus. Therefore, a critical factor to the success of this installation was AFP working closely with the City of Chico and local law enforcement to secure permits, and block off streets and traffic so that the elaborate installation elements could be executed on the specific delivery and installation dates set forth by the University’s planning team.

Once the brick and mortar elements were completed and equipment and accessories were firmly in place, the university was wise to take advantage of two extremely cost-effective and valuable resources related to the ongoing success of the facility.

First, the university will be utilizing AFP’s proprietary online Facility, Supply & Support system. The online service allows facility managers password access to their own inventory web page through AFPs Fitnessfacility.com online facility management program. This intuitive software allows them to easily manage their equipment inventory, anticipate when preventative maintenance is required, maximize the life of the equipment and avoid costly breakdowns. 

Secondly, the University and AFP negotiated a preventative maintenance contract, to place the time-consuming responsibility of ongoing maintenance and upkeep in AFP’s capable hands. 

Key Stats

• Experience Series Cardio
• Integrated Entertainment
• Star Trac eSpinning
• C-Line Strength Systems
• Paramount SP Strength Circuit
• Tuff Stuff XXL Lifting Pro Platforms
• Advantage Line Urethane Dumbbells & Plates

AFP was an outstanding company to work with throughout the project. Every area from sales and delivery, to installation and service met or exceeded our expectations.