Universities across the country are renovating and expanding their rec centers to better meet the mental, physical and emotional needs of students.
Renovations and expansions are essential to meet the evolving needs of campus communities. As the 2024-2025 academic year winds down, many universities are continuing or preparing renovations for the year ahead. Whether it’s building new facilities, expanding existing centers or updating specific features, campus rec centers across the country are finding innovative ways to modernize. Here are some upcoming projects to watch:
University of Michigan’s Hadley Family Recreation and Well-Being Center
The University of Michigan is constructing a new 200,000-square-foot facility. Developed in collaboration with students, faculty and staff, the new center will address a wide range of campus needs. It will feature strength training and cardio spaces, climbing and bouldering walls, group fitness rooms, three pools, a turf court and more.
“I’m most excited for our campus to see how important spaces like these are to the well-being of the University of Michigan community,” said Mike Widen, the director of Michigan Recreation. “This facility will change our campus for generations to come.”
The center is slated to open in fall 2025. Read more about the renovation here.
Morris Recreation Center Expansion at East Texas A&M
East Texas A&M is expanding the Morris Recreation Center, adding over 5,800 square feet. New features will include an updated entrance and lobby, private changing rooms and modernized bathrooms. The renovation will also introduce additional cardio and strength training areas, as well as two new group fitness studios.
The expansion is expected to be completed by fall 2026. Click here for more information.
Increased Fitness Space at Binghamton University
Binghamton University is undergoing a 75,000-square-foot renovation of the East Gym at its Recreation Center. “We have quite obviously outgrown our current facility,” said Tom St. John, director of Campus Recreational Services. “During our busiest times of the day it’s very challenging to get a time-efficient workout in.”
The expansion will add a functional training turf area, an indoor running track, three wood courts, four multipurpose rooms and a stretching and core studio. St. John said this renovation will allow for more open rec and intramural sport programming to be available for students and faculty.
The expansion is anticipated to be complete in summer 2026, opening in time for the 2026-2027 academic year. For more information on the project, visit their website here.
Michigan State University’s New Rec Center
Michigan State University is building a new 293,000-square-foot recreation center equipped with new amenities, including a turf arena, climbing wall and several sustainability features like water conservation measures and reduced carbon emissions. The facility will also include six multipurpose gyms, three group fitness studios, sports simulators, upgraded locker rooms and a 50-meter pool for aquatics programming.
Learn more about the new center scheduled to be completed in summer 2026 on MSU’s website.
$24 Million Recreation Building Expansion at the University of Arkansas
The University of Arkansas is renovating its campus recreation center with a 13,000-square-foot expansion aimed at modernizing the facility. The expansion will feature two turf functional training areas, new equipment, updated multipurpose spaces and renovated locker rooms.
Construction is expected to finish by fall 2025. You can read the full renovation update here.
University of Kentucky to Add Outdoor Lifting and Pickleball Courts
The University of Kentucky is expanding their outdoor programming and enhancing the Johnson Recreation Center. Additions will include a multipurpose activity court, larger fitness spaces, an outdoor lifting space, outdoor pickleball courts and a new 60-foot climbing wall with a bouldering section.
The expansion will also bring a new healthy food option, Shake Smart, along with HVAC and life safety system upgrades. The project is expected to be done by the end of 2026. Find more information on the new renovation here.
The Bottom Line
As student wellness becomes an increasingly central focus in higher education, campus rec centers are reimagining what they can offer. From expanded fitness areas and climbing walls to sustainability initiatives and outdoor recreation, these projects reflect a broader commitment to supporting students physically and mentally. These inclusive, dynamic spaces foster community and well-being for all students, faculty and staff.
