Never Sleeping Place
I enter into a different world filled with life, sweat, and constant movement. Tables, chairs, and couches are around the center for onlookers like me or for people needing a rest after an intense workout. Once I set, I begin to see the world break into individual parts, each having their own purpose.
In the background, wooden floors shine from the glow of fluorescent lights. Each floor is perfectly lined with blue, red, and yellow paint. These floors form three rectangle courts for basketball; I can hear and see parts of pick-up games being played. The sound of basketballs and squeaky shoes fill the gym. Right beside the courts is another enclosed floor with different lines and goals at each end. This court is made for those who would rather play a game with their feet instead of their hands. However, soccer floor stays empty, still, and silent.
Now concentrating on what is ahead of me, I see a giant tan colored wall. The wall is filled with colorful grips jutting out and hooks hanging limp, waiting to be used. The wall has different markings indicating which is a more intense climb or an easier course for beginners. The rock wall stays empty for now, waiting for a climber to take on the challenge.
Above, I hear more squeaking of tennis shoes and steady footsteps. Runners make their way around the track following different paces. The track is set up with four lanes; the inner two lanes are meant for slower paced running or walking and the outer two lanes are faster paced. A digital clock displays large red numbers indicating the time, helping the runners keep track of how long they have been running. Mats are placed at both ends of the track for those runners needing a relaxing stretch or an extra abs workout.
I can only see a glimpse of the other worlds. Elliptical machines are being used as well as different weights being lifted. I can just make out the sound of a ping pong ball being bounced back and forth. Also, I smell a trace of chlorine in the air that drifted over from the pool. I can understand the importance of this place. The recreation center provides all different resources to accommodate all types of athletes, active college students, and local residents. This place is a world that is always filled with constant movement and life, never taking a nap.
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1 comment:
very rich description...you cpatured lots of movement and life (which I know was your aim).
I like how you don't explicitly define your place, as in "I observed the Rec Center.." but you paint the description so that it leaves no doubt to an informed reader.
This is what I was hoping students would write: a thick description of a place on or near campus, relying on their senses and giving me what they saw. The next question is where to take this..what to look at closely. Are there issues with who can/can't use this place? Is there a class struggle here (people looked down upon for not being "in shape" or not having the right equipment, etc). Is this a social playground as well, from what you observe (people masquerading for one another, trying to look 'ripped,' 'sexy,' whatever)? What human elements will you bring in? You have options, and this is great work. Keep going!
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