WT’s New Storm Shelter Could Become Much More Than That

Picture this: it's your first semester at WTAMU, you're not from the Texas Panhandle, nor are you from an area where severe storms are prevalent. You're miles away from home, you're in a dorm, and one of those storms hits. The sirens start screaming all over campus.

Panic starts to set in

You look around

You're on an upper floor

The dorm doesn't have a basement

A tornado has been spotted

What do I do? Where do I go?

Why Does WTAMU Need a Storm Shelter?

That panic is real, and not just for the newbie who moved to Canyon to attend school. It's also for the student who grew up in the area and knows the devastation of tornadoes. Having a place to go is important, and that is why WTAMU is making a change on campus.

How Big Is the New WTAMU Storm Shelter?

WTAMU just announced plans to build a $13.99 million FEMA-funded storm shelter, a way to protect its students when severe weather arrives in the Texas Panhandle. In order to provide safety for more than 2,000 students and faculty, it would have to be large. The new facility will be 30,000 square feet and will be east of the Virgil Henson Activities Center.

What Happens to the Space When It's Not Storming?

While safety is important, you might be thinking, why would WT put that much money into a space that will very rarely be used? That's the good thing about the new facility; it will serve a dual purpose.

Not only will the facility serve as a storm shelter big enough to keep that many students and staff safe, but it will also serve as the home to pickleball courts and cross-training space. The facility would also be home to the administrative offices for the Department of Sports and Exercise Sciences.

Could WTAMU Add Wrestling and Competitive Cheer?

WT is currently exploring new programs that could use the space as well. Those ideas include a wrestling program as a club sport. WT is also looking to expand the WT Spirit program into competitive cheer.

But in the meantime, a new safety feature will be built for students, staff, and the Canyon community. The project is expected to begin in 2027.

Read More: Stay Local, Save Big: WTAMU's Rise in National Rankings

What Is Happening With the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum?

One question remains as WT plans this new facility. What is going on with the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum? Many locals have been asking, "Don't they care about this historical facility?"

As WT works to add a new building to the campus landscape, the University is continuing to work with the Panhandle-Plains Historical Society, city leaders, government officials and other stakeholders in a collaborative effort to work with the State Fire Marshal on a plan to reopen Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum.

Read More: Canyon, Texas's Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum Closed