Kansas Rowing Boathouse Groundbreaking Ceremony Set for March 7

March 3, 2008

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LAWRENCE, Kan. – A groundbreaking ceremony for the University of Kansas boathouse, the new home for KU’s varsity and club rowing programs, will take place Friday, March 7, at 3:30 p.m. in Lawrence’s Burcham Park, Kansas Athletics officials announced Monday.

The 16,000-square-foot, two-story boathouse will be built on the banks of the Kansas River in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = “urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags” />BurchamPark. The facility’s bottom floor will have a 17-foot high ceiling to house the team’s 35 boats. It will also contain locker rooms, training facilities and a boat-repair area. Space will also be provided for use by the non-varsity Kansas rowing club and other community rowing enthusiasts.

The $6 million facility is scheduled for completion in fall 2008. Construction is being funded in large part by a special student activities fee ratified by the University’s student body in 2006.

Burcham Park is located at Indiana Street and Second Avenue, just north and west of downtown Lawrence.