Matt Weir/ The Collegian

While outdoor court conditions are not ideal, the Fresno State Recreation Center houses two indoor courts

The outdoor racquetball courts, located in the north gym, provide an opportunity for students to pick up some exercise and enjoy friendly competition, all free of charge. But is it really worth it?

There are six courts available for use, which become open to the public after Fresno State racquetball classes end at 3 p.m. every day.

The courts are located in a dark corridor in the southwest corner of the north gym, adjacent to the athletic department’s parking lot.

Each court is equipped with ceiling lights that make playing in the afternoon possible with the exception of court number two, whose lights are broken.

Once inside the court, a dark red steel door grinds across the floor to a close. A small glass window in the door allows for friends to peer in, unless you’re standing in front of court five or six. The vacant glass at these courts provides a nice aperture for a small racquetball to fly through, quickly ending any intense rally and possibly someone’s day.

The floor and walls of each court, which are made of concrete, are worn and damaged. The scars of years of racquetball are shown in the form of large gashes in the wall, most of them from the misjudged swing of racquets.

On top of the engraving, graffiti and cob-webs have found a home in the racquetball courts.

At 10 p.m. a dilapidated chain-link fence secures four of the six courts from being used at night. It’s not much of a defense against intruders as each of the fenced gates have gapping holes ripped out of them, where a determined racquetball player could easily fit through.

Despite conditions that almost make playing racquetball unbearable, students such as Senior business marketing major Erik Garland are happy to have somewhere to play.

“The courts are a great recreational activity provided to students and other racquetball enthusiasts,” Garland said. “It is apparent that maintenance has been a last priority but for those that play the game for the fun of it, it is a great asset.”

The issue of a much needed rendition is clear. What isn’t clear, however, is who is responsible for these courts.

The Campus Recreational Services was unable to speak on behalf of the courts as well as the kinesiology department.

Nate Wills of the Athletic Facilities and Events said that he was not in charge either.

“The athletics department is not involved in the racquetball classes,” Wills said.

Wills then refers students back to the kinesiology department.

This frustration has led some students to search for alternative places to play racquetball, like the Recreation Center.

“I’d rather play racquetball at the ‘Rec’ Center for a lot of reasons,” said business marketing major Parker Mar. “The courts are completely enclosed, there are no dead spots, and you and the ball moves faster.”

The Recreation Center, available to all students, boasts two glass enclosed regulation sized racquetball courts. Reservations are needed to secure these courts, and often have to be made a day in advance.

While there may be other options, many students find the convenience of on-campus racquetball courts enjoyable. It also promotes an active lifestyle for the students that live on campus.

“These courts provide an open and competitive nature to the game of racquetball,” Garland said.

While the immediate future of the outdoor racquetball courts does not look bright, students can hope that their continued popularity will bring about awareness.