Rec Center anticipated to close at end of semester for construction of new Wellness + Recreation facility
Temporary campus indoor recreation, fitness and club sports facilities are currently being prepared in anticipation of the Helfaer Tennis Stadium and Rec Center, which will be decommissioned at the end of the Fall 2022 semester. Read also : 10 Iconic Punches In Video Games.
Depending on funding and pending board approval in December, the building is scheduled to close at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, to accommodate renovations and construction for a renovated, comprehensive Wellness + Recreation facility that will connect campus fitness and recreation facilities with the Marquette University Counseling Center and Medical Clinic — student-centered services currently spread across campus.
During construction, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, Marquette will relocate the Rec Center’s current equipment and programming to select spaces in the Rec Plex and in Straz Tower, O’Donnell Hall, the Old Gym and the Annex. These temporary locations will be open and functional until the start of the spring semester, Tuesday, January 17, 2023, to ensure continued, uninterrupted recreation and fitness services.
The following is the planned equipment, contents and programming at each location:
Restrooms are available in all places; showers and lockers are at the Rec Plex location only.
A map of the campus is available online.
In addition, the university has arranged to use the practice facility at nearby Cristo Rey Jesuit High School (1818 W. National Ave.) for club sports practices, specifically men’s and women’s club basketball and club volleyball. The Valley Fields Dome (1818 W. Canal St.) will also be available for some club sports needs.
dr. Xavier Cole, vice president for student affairs, says the planning team takes great care to ensure temporary housing meets student needs and meets quality expectations.
“The Wellness + Recreation facility project is vital to building what President Lovell envisions as a true ‘culture of wellness’ at Marquette, and this is truly an exciting, game-changing opportunity to enhance the student experience for generations to come,” he says . “At the same time, we recognize that for many of our current students, this transition period represents a noticeable shift in recreation services. So the aim of the planning team is to ensure that the temporary spaces and accommodation offer a high quality experience.”
In addition to securing these temporary spaces, the university is working to ensure adequate staffing, access, and safety and security at these locations.
Watch Marquette today for updates.
