Reaching the cusp of the Friendship walk, a field of red cocoons unfurls. Inside, sleeping students wait to emerge well-rested and relaxed.
Beach Balance and the Rock and Outdoor Adventure Program hung up several hammocks outside of the University Student Union for students to lounge on Wednesday.
Christopher Huebner, the outdoor and adventure wellness coordinator, said the hammocks were both a way to advertise the program and promote relaxation amongst students.
“When people think about fitness, they think about nutrition and physical fitness, but no one really considers mental health,” Huebner said.
Students signed a safety waiver, received a popsicle and had the opportunity to pick a hammock, any hammock.
Huebner said the rock and outdoor adventure program and Beach Balance purchased 20 single-net hammocks with money from both programs’ budgets so that they can be used throughout the school year. Huebner said he wants to set them up the last Wednesday of every month next semester.
“Oh, yes please!” Amanda Binheiro, a junior civil engineering student, said from the comfort of her hammock.
Binheiro said the hammocks were a wonderful way to relax and enjoy the beautiful view. She said she would use the hammocks all the time if they were set up regularly.
Huebner said he is also considering creating a “Well-rested Wednesday” program at Beach Balance every week. He said five hammocks would be set up for students to drop by and use at their leisure.
“The rec center has really become a place of social gathering,” Huebner said. “Since people are already hanging out there, the hammocks will provide them with a place to nap or relax.”
Huebner said he recently submitted a proposal to rent the hammocks out at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center along with the other outdoor rental equipment for $3 a day. He said this would be implemented by spring 2015.
This is the first time hammocks have been brought to campus for students Huebner said. He said it is based off a program he designed at his previous job at Lamar University in Texas. That program brought hammocks to that campus for students to use and was well received by students, Huebner said.
“This is the sweetest thing ever,” Eduardo Costa, a junior civil engineering major, said. “I was crazy tired and found this place to relax.”
Toan Lam, a senior theater arts major, said he had to stop by after seeing a friend post about the hammocks on Facebook.
“These hammocks are the most comfortable place to lay down on campus, “ Lam said. “This is great.”