A dedication ceremony for a garden in memory of the late Jay Adcox and Leonard Biddle at the Southern Arkansas University Aquatic Center is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 17, 2014.
The SAU Aquatic Center will also host an open house from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. that day.
Leonard Biddle
Biddle and Adcox developed the garden at the rear entrance of the W.T. Watson Athletic Center. It went downhill after their deaths, according to Sheri Baggett-McMinn, associate professor of health, kinesiology, and recreation.
She was proud that HKR majors asked to help and get the ball rolling on the garden renovation. Thanks to several donations and the work and expertise of SAU Senior Gardner Marty Davis, she is grateful to get to see the garden dedicated before she retires at the end of June.
Southern Aluminum donated a blue bench, and Story’s Trophies and Awards gave an engraved plaque for the memorial garden. The HKR Club at SAU also donated an outdoor table and the Athletic Department provided a decorative piece for the garden.
According to Aquatic Center Interim Director Elizabeth Ray, Davis planted an array of colorful foliage, including varieties of spring blooming daffodil bulbs, grape hyacinth and tulips. Dwarf daylilies, dianthus and Asiatic lilies, a hosta lily and phlox will be hardy for years to come. A Japanese Red Maple was added, and a windmill palm, hardy hibiscus and other evergreens will add a tropical feel to the pool entrance.
Jay Adcox
Adcox was athletic director at SAU when he passed away on July 26, 2011. For 36 years, Jay taught, coached, mentored and shared his passion for football and education to hundreds of students and student athletes.
Biddle was the SAU golf coach and headed up the University intramural program and the Wellness Center until he passed away on July 13, 2012. Prior to working at SAU, he was a retired master sergeant of the U.S. Air Force where he served as a professional fire fighter for 20 years.
Visitors to the garden dedication will also have the chance to see the Aquatic Center renovations, which include SAU blue and gold fresh paint and new tile work. Lifeguards will be on duty, as well, in case anyone would like to give the pool a try.
SAU Aquatic Center
To further invite community participation at the Aquatic Center, free aquatic wellness classes are being offered from 6-7 p.m. each Wednesday in April courtesy of Ray and Sandi Alston.
Membership at the SAU Aquatic Center is divided into three annual terms – fall semester, spring semester and summer.
Community membership pricing is as follows:
- Adult – $60/semester or $175/year
- Adult couple – $85/semester or $250/year
- Children (with adult) – $20 a child/semester or $55 a child/year
- Single day pass – $5
SAU Alumni and Albemarle employee pricing:
- Adult – $25/semester or $70/year
- Adult couple – $40/semester or $115/year
- Children (with adult) – $10 a child/semester or $25 a child/year
SAU students and employees have free membership to the Aquatic Center. SAU spouses pricing is $25/$70, and children pricing is $10/$25.
The hours of operation are 6-8 a.m., 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., and 7-9 p.m. on Monday through Thursday; 6-8 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. on Friday.
