Erin M. Droste

Mary Showman, Bennington, Neb., sophomore, works out in the Burge Union Fitness Center yesterday. Showman was one of two students using the center yesterday morning. Burge will be closing because so few students are using the facilities.

Students will not be working out in the Burge Union Fitness Center for much longer.

Agreements between the University Recreation Services and the KU Memorial Unions ended this month and will not be renewed, said Julie Urkoski, fitness director for Recreation Services.

Mary Showman, Bennington, Neb., sophomore enjoys the center for its anonymity.

"I always have a machine here," said Mary Showman, Bennington, Neb., sophomore. "I don't have to wait in line, and I can fit working out into my schedule whenever I want to."

Showman, member of Pi Beta Phi sorority, said the short walk to the center made working out hassle-free.

"I think it really sucks that this place is closing," Showman said. "But I am going to go to the new recreation center, it's farther and more crowded, but I don't really have any other options."

Although the center does offer a less crowded place to workout, this luxury will be its undoing.

"We really have seen a drop in attendance," Urkoski said. "We are not going to keep it open with the new recreation center so close."

The Burge Union Fitness Center attendance has fallen to fewer than 100 people a day, said Urkoski. She said the closure date was not known, but it may be as soon as spring break.

"Nothing is certain as of yet," she said.

None of the 10-15 students who work their will lose their jobs, Urkoski said. Center employees will work for the Student Recreation Fitness Center.

Urkoski said she thought people disenfranchised by the closing would go to the Recreation Center.

The Burge Fitness Center will be replaced by offices.