Mission
The mission of University Recreation + Wellness (UREC) is to empower students for success through recreation and wellness.
Facility(s) Description
UREC at the University of Arkansas provides a dynamic network of facilities designed to support fitness, recreation and holistic well-being across campus. Together, six unique spaces create an inclusive environment that fosters belonging, balance and student success.
At the center is the HPER Building, a recently renovated, 225,000-square-foot hub that houses state-of-the-art fitness spaces, multipurpose studios, courts, an aquatics center and program offices. The transformation of this flagship facility has reimagined how students and staff connect, move and thrive on campus.
Located in the heart of campus, the UREC Fitness Center offers convenient access to strength, cardio and functional training spaces, ideal for quick workouts between classes or during the workday.
The UREC Sports Complex, a nine-acre outdoor venue, provides turf fields, sand volleyball courts and half-court basketball spaces that support intramural leagues, club sports and open recreation.
Adjacent to campus, the UREC Tennis Center features 12 lighted outdoor courts for tennis and pickleball, creating a welcoming space for both casual and competitive play. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Tsa La Gi Bike Park delivers an adventure experience with trails, pump tracks and technical features that accommodate riders of all skill levels.
Completing the network is the Wellness Lounge in the Pat Walker Health Center, a dedicated space for mindfulness, recovery and education that anchors the university’s well-being initiatives through workshops, peer engagement and wellness coaching.
Together, these facilities embody UREC’s mission to inspire active lifestyles and holistic wellness within the Razorback community.
Programming Highlights
UREC is committed to creating engaging experiences for every member of the campus community. The programming is intentionally designed to support belonging, well-being and lifelong healthy habits through a holistic and student-centered approach.
One of the department’s signature initiatives is their work with EMPOWER — a barrier-free recreational sports league, internship program and experience. Created to ensure individuals of all abilities have meaningful access to competitive, professional experiences and social play. EMPOWER welcomes students with and without disabilities to participate together, fostering connection, confidence and a culture where everyone is a part of UREC.
We are proud to support and elevate wheelchair basketball by offering adaptive equipment, hosting open play sessions, and partnering with campus and community organizations to build awareness and expand participation in adaptive athletics.
UREC also delivers a robust slate of wellness programs that address the full spectrum of well-being. From mindfulness and stress-reduction workshops to dimensions of wellness education and wellness coaching, the team meets students where they are and empowers them to build healthy behaviors that support academic success and long-term wellness.
Together, these programs reflect UREC’s mission. We create spaces and programs that foster belonging, student success and community.
Fun Facts
- Each year, UREC welcomes enough visitors to fill the University of Arkansas’ SEC football stadium more than six times.
- Largest student employer on campus.
- Attendance has increased at the HPER facility by over 35% since the renovation.
- UREC users earn an average 3.47 GPA compared to 3.36 GPA for non-users.
- UREC Student employees average an even higher GPA at 3.53.
- First-year retention: 91% for UREC users vs. 73% for non-users.
Social Media Handles
Instagram: @urecarkansas
Website: www.urec.uark.edu
