The William Paterson University Sports and Recreation Center

The October 2021 Rec of the Month highlights the William Paterson University Sports and Recreation Center.

MISSION

The William Paterson University (WPU) Department of Recreational Services provides an opportunity to participate in a wide range of recreational activities that reflect the interests, needs and abilities of the WPU community. Part of the larger Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation, Recreational Services strives to enhance the quality of life of all participants through diverse recreational and educational programs designed to promote health and wellness, social interaction, lifelong learning, and the constructive use of leisure time. WPU’s Recreational Services provides opportunities for employment, experiential learning activities and leadership development.

DESCRIPTION OF FACILITY

The 41,172-square-foot Sports and Recreation Center includes a weight room, cardio space, group fitness studio, basketball and racquetball courts. Other sports and recreational facilities on campus include an auxiliary fitness space — which houses cardio machines, strength equipment and a group fitness studio — as well as a separate six-lane outdoor running track.

PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS

Adventure Trips

Adventure trips offer students the opportunity to take part in outdoor and active experiences. In fact, the trips highlight the beauty of Northern New Jersey and the surrounding area.

Intramural Programs

Throughout the semester, a variety of six-week intramural leagues and one day tournaments are offered, totaling 22 intramural programs. Students also have the opportunity to try out for extramural teams including flag football and basketball. During the Spring 2020 semester, the men’s extramural basketball team won the NJ NIRSA statement extramural basketball tournament, along with having participated in extramural flag football, soccer, and men’s and women’s basketball.

Sport Clubs

WPU offers five sport clubs: rugby, bowling, ice hockey, cheerleading and dance. The program has become regular participants in national championship competitions, with bowling having collected three national championship titles across ITC (1992) and Collegiate Club Championship (2017 and 2018), while ice hockey, cheerleading and rugby (15s and 7s) having reached the highest stage.

Aquatics and Safety

In addition to open recreational swim time, the aquatics department offers CPR/AED, First Aid and Lifeguard certification courses for students, staff and the surrounding community.

Fitness

Group fitness classes are free for all students and make up a weekly schedule that includes class formats such as yoga, Zumba, kickboxing and bootcamp.

Well-Being

Well-Being programming made up of both informational and hands-on sessions are held throughout each semester, including meditation, nutrition and foam rolling workshops.

Special Events

Jamming at the Rec, Midnight Madness and De-Stress Fest are favorite events each year, for instance.

FUN FACTS

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, WPU intramurals were on pace for their highest levels of participation across all students, first-year students, and female-identifying students.
The Sports and Recreation Center has traditionally hosted the NJSIAA high schools’ volleyball championships each fall.
Over 70 student workers are employed by Recreational Services each year. As a result, the department the largest employer of student workers on campus.
Recreational Services works closely with the Department of Nursing. For example, the Sports and Recreation Center serves as a rotation for nursing students’ community health rotation.