Willamette University

“A fitness center has several different uses over the course of the day, so finding materials that can respond to the diversity of use was important,” says David Rigsby, director of athletics. “I think nora stood out as a product that has broad use – it’s used in hospitals and facilities all over the place. So, the floor has a proven track record in durability and performance.”

Willamette University is home to a very active student body, with approximately 450 student athletes, 19 varsity sports teams and 90 percent of students using the Sparks Fitness Center on campus before graduating.  The last major remodel of the space was completed more than 20 years ago. Since then, the design, offerings and demands on fitness centers have changed.  

“There is a continued explosion in this country around fitness,” explains David Rigsby, director of athletics. “We have seen an increase in students using the Sparks Center, and in general we have about 1,000 unique visitors to the facility per week.”  

Working within the building’s existing footprint, Rigsby and his project team effectively doubled the area of the fitness center to approximately 9,000 square feet.  

“A fitness center has several different uses over the course of the day, so finding materials that can respond to the diversity of use was important,” says Rigsby. “We were committed to a rubber flooring system, so we looked at nora and a couple of other products. I think nora stood out as a product that has broad use – it’s used in hospitals and facilities all over the place. So, the floor offered a proven track record in durability and performance. “

Rigsby adds, “Willamette has a strong commitment to sustainability and anticipates receiving LEED certification for the Sparks Center. The sustainable properties of nora definitely played into our decision to use the floor covering. Its ease of maintenance, only requiring water, was another key factor.”  

Noting additional benefits, Rigsby continues, “Our project included a heavily trafficked stairwell, and nora had the stair product to match the floor product.”

Prior to the installation of nora, the center’s floor design featured concrete slabs with thick rubber mats strategically placed on top, a look the university hoped to leave behind. “The fact that nora offered a sheet floor system that’s easy to install and maintain was a draw.”