LINN  — State Tech President Dr. Shawn Strong believes the pool and the rest of “Osage View” will be open on Oct. 2.

“That is our plan as of today,” he said on Friday. “We were also supposed to be open on May 31, and we’re a long ways away from May 31, I understand. In that first week of October, our hope is to have a first-run movie. We did training on the movie theater today, and  it sounds phenomenal.”

Dr. Strong said a select group from the college came up with the new name of the facility because of the view from the top floor. “It’s a beautiful view, and we’re happy with the name,” he added.

Most indoor furniture is installed or on its way. “We’re waiting to get all the concrete sealed so we can get all the outside outdoor furniture moved out,” said Dr. Strong.

The new pool is coming along and will be open in October to the public, though Dr. Strong has not yet determined the cost.

Osage View Event and Entertainment Director Renee Braun is pleased with the progress as the golf center marches toward opening.

“I think it’s turned out really well and we’re really excited to get it open,” said Braun.

Opening the center will be done in stages.

“We’re going to schedule a variety of soft openings throughout the month of September, and we hope to be completely open to the public the first week of October,” said Braun, noting the restaurant is a natural starting point. “We’ll start the first time with a group of like 25, then 50, then 100, then larger nights, starting with some in-house seats, and then add a takeout option.”

Braun added the rest of the building will depend on construction efforts, but the duckpin bowling lanes are up and running. “Several other things are ready to go,” she said. “We have a few things that are preventing us from opening completely.”

Several tournaments have been scheduled for this month and next, but nothing has been reserved for the event center except State Tech staff activities. Braun said that will help test the center’s hosting capabilities and areas in need of improvement.

Event center inquiries can be addressed by visiting https://statetechmo.edu/campus-life/state-tech-golf-center. Braun explained that those interested can fill out an online questionnaire, which is sent to staff who will call to discuss availability.

The State Tech Cinema, a 50-seat theater, will show first-run movies, though the first offering has yet to be selected for Oct. 6.

Another aspect of the center is the gaming room. Marketing Director Brandon McElwain noted that some 50 students tried out for e-sports teams.

Most positions have been filled for Osage View, though finding daytime restaurant employees has been a struggle.

Dr. Strong reiterated that he does not believe anything the golf center offers will create a direct conflict with area restaurants.

“We’re different, unique, and I don’t think we’ll have a ton of impact,” he added.

The restaurant will be led by General Manager Heather Berkemeyer and Assistant GM Kim Straughn.

The approximately 31,500-square-foot Osage View also includes a pro shop, a simulator area for golf and other sports, pool locker room, event center, catering kitchen, bridal suite, and large outdoor entertainment areas.

For more, visit statetechmo.edu.