By Sharon Feder '06

It's my favorite time of year--the snow has finally melted, Mohonk is shining in the distance, the geese are sunbathing alongside the Gunk-and athletics' Wellness and Recreation department is offering new programs to explore it all.

The Outdoor Pursuits program provides students, faculty and staff with the opportunity to take advantage of the many outdoor resources in the area.

The new initiative offers 24-hour mountain bike rentals including locks and helmets for $5 a day for students and $10 for staff and faculty.

Future events include:

• A trip to the Innerwall, an indoor rock-climbing facility on April 13, free
• Hawk Festival, a weekend of outdoor games and tournaments, May 7-8
• A paintball trip to Cousins in Plattekill on May 7 - $20

In addition, students with a valid SUNY New Paltz ID can borrow recreational equipment such as basketballs and tennis rackets throughout the year.

For more information or to suggest future activities, contact Doug Pasquerella at 845-257-3917 or the Wellness and Recreation hotline at 845-257-3914, or visit the Outdoor Pursuits Web site.