Penn State’s Campus Recreation department transformed an underused racquetball court into the Recharge & Roar Lounge — a wellness space focused on promoting student recovery and relaxation.
Campus recreation departments across the U.S. are expanding their focus beyond fitness to include recovery and well-being. From meditation rooms to massage chairs, these programs reflect the shift toward holistic wellness — recognizing that slowing down is just as important as staying active.
At Penn State, this wellness focus led the campus rec department to create a space dedicated to stress relief, recovery and well-being.
When usage data indicated several racquetball courts were underutilized, the department saw an opportunity to repurpose the space into something more aligned with student needs.
“Our goal was to promote student wellness — particularly stress reduction, recovery and relaxation — and to expand our offerings in response to increasing student interest in holistic well-being activities,” said Stephen Kampf, the senior director of Campus Recreation at Penn State. “By transforming one of the courts, we aimed to make better use of our facilities while directly supporting student mental and physical health.”
The transformation resulted in the Recharge & Roar Lounge, a 760-square-foot space combining innovative recovery tools with thoughtfully designed comfort. The lounge features two HydroMassage Lounge G3 chairs, a CryoLounge+ cold and heat pod, and three Three Sages Wellness stations. Each station includes a 55-inch screen with guided relaxation modules, a zero-gravity chair, Hyperice therapy guns and noise-canceling headphones.
Because of the room’s limited size, Kampf said the department collaborated with John Brey, the CEO of Nex Play, to make the most of every square foot. Along with space limitations, the team faced another challenge early on — the space lacked an adequate air handling system. By working with internal designers, they ensured the space had proper airflow and comfort for users.
Student feedback played a key role in shaping the project. With nearly 80% of Penn State students engage in at least one recreation program or service, the department is continuously seeking ways to reach the rest of the student population. Offering inclusive, low-barrier options like the lounge can help all students feel welcome and supported.
To gauge the lounge’s impact, student feedback will continue to be vital. The department plans to track usage and distribute a student survey at the end of the semester. The team is also fine-tuning certain aspects of the space — including enhanced privacy and schedule adjustments — based on early feedback.
For departments considering similar wellness spaces, Penn State’s experience offers valuable lessons. From operational challenges to adapting to data as time goes on, preparation is key for success in transformations like this. “These projects require time to develop and fine-tune the details necessary for successful implementation,” said Kampf.
The Recharge & Roar Lounge demonstrates how campus rec can evolve with student needs, transforming underused areas into spaces that foster both physical recovery and mental well-being. It serves as an example of how thoughtful design and student-centered planning can redefine recreation’s role on campus — not just as a place for exercise, but as a resource for holistic health.
