Since the Student Recreation Center’s expansion “Something for Everyone,” Campus Recreation’s slogan, has taken on a life of its own. From aquatics to fitness, Campus Recreation is expanding into more than a building. 

The expansion was initiated as a result of student body pleas to have a larger space to exercise. The old SRC was 65,000 sq ft.  The newly expandedSRC is around 165,000 sq ft.

“It brings a whole new feel to going to the gym. The old space was so crammed and it was a pain going to work out,” said UNCW sophomore, MattStetzler. “I love working out now and it’s what I look forward to in my day. It motivates me to keep coming back.”

Fitness coordinator Elizabeth Bowen said the new space has allowed for an expansion in theSRC’s group exercise classes, small group training options and fitness assessment programs. 

“Within the first three days of the new Fall Group Exercise schedule we saw over 400 students in the Group Exercise classes,” Bowen said. “This shows that students are making the most of theirUNCW experience by incorporating physical activity into their day.”

Campus Recreation is made up of aquatics, intramural sports, group exercise/fitness programs, adventure recreation programs and sports clubs. The expansion has been able to help each branch enhance and expand the “Something for Everyone” slogan by providing a variety of exercise options.  It has also helped to unify them under one roof.

Prior to the expansion, all aquatic programs and certain sports club practices had to take place in Hanover Hall, on the opposite side of campus, due to limited space in the SRC. Now, each branch of Campus Recreation can work in harmony with one another.

 “We want everyone to feel welcome and participate in our programs,” Bowen said.

Other additions include an indoor and outdoor pool, three new recreational basketball courts, Ping-Pong tables, racquetball courts, and a fitness center that tripled in size with 114 pieces of cardio equipment. The expansion also added multiple studios, creating an opportunity for more Group Exercise classes.

The SRC expansion cost around $30 million to complete and was funded with help from student fees. After three semesters of anticipation, the opening of the SRC was celebrated in April with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. 

The SRC expansion has helped boost Campus Recreation’s goal to provide positive changes in students’ overall health, which can help heighten their overall educational experience, Curran said on behalf of Campus Recreation.