Hoofers space to get much needed update
By Marie Renckens, membership marketing intern
After decades of being hidden away in a corner of the Memorial Union basement, Hoofers – UW Madison’soutdoor recreation club – will finally get the space they need to function more safely and comfortably. Memorial Union Reinvestment (MUR) plans for the Hoofers space will make the shop and offices more ergonomic, allow customers easier access to the clubs and provide an internal space more conducive to Hoofers activities.
For the Hoofers shop where work is done on the boats and equipment is managed, the new space will pave the way for a much easier and safer work flow. “Right now, it takes some clever puzzle-piece style putting together of boats,” said Dave Elsmo, head of instruction for Hoofer Sailing. “Sometimes you have to move half the room to get a boat in to work on it.” In addition, the only current way from the lakefront into the Hoofers offices is directly through the shop, which just isn’t safe for passersby or those maneuvering equipment.
As far as internal office space, staff members are excited to finally have a large open office space instead of working in separate nooks and corners. “I think we’ll have a much better sense of community,” said Linda Bentz, director of outdoor programs. “It will allow us to have a much more collaborative environment.”
Much like the other areas of Memorial Union slated for renovation, the changes to the Hoofers area will also result in improved accessibility, which is now extremely lacking. “Currently, the only access to Hoofers office and program space is via stairs or the Park St side of the building and down two ramps to the Terrace,” said Dave. After the Reinvestment, the new space will be completely accessible to members with limited mobility.
The design process for the new Hoofers space was a collaborative one. “Every club had to give and take. I think we got the best possible [design] we could get considering the space,” said Linda. “Thank you to so many students, so many alumni, so many people who are dedicated to Hoofers for all of their input. Many voices have been heard in this project and each one of those voices contributed to what we’re going to end up with. We need to say thank you to all of those people.”
The Hoofer team is nothing but enthusiastic about the project. “To actually be able to be involved in something that’s going to be around for the next hundred years – that’s pretty cool,” said Dave. “I can’t wait to see it go from an idea to a structure.”
To stay updated on the Memorial Union Reinvestment, follow @MUReinvestment on Twitter. Want more on Hoofers? Subscribe to the Hoofprints newsletter.
