University of Florida

Gainesville, FL

MISSION

The Department of Recreational Sports offers experiences that enrich the lives of University of Florida students through excellence in facilities, fitness sport, adventure and play. We are committed to fostering leaders, encouraging life-long healthy lifestyles and developing meaningful relationships.

PROGRAMS

“The world in motion, one Gator at a time.” This vision statement is the driving philosophy behind every program offered by the University of Florida Department of Recreational Sports. The department includes two lake-front parks, group fitness, personal and small group training, intramural sports, 48 competitive sport clubs, two world-class indoor fitness and recreation facilities, four campus pools, outdoor rock climbing, an adventure travel recreation program, campus fields and facilities, a skate park and staff development services for over 700 students who work in the various programs.

The department contributes to university initiatives, including pursuit of top ten public university status. Competitive Sports offers Mentor Mondays, which enhance mentor programs throughout campus, including the University Minority Mentors program and the Machen Florida Opportunity Scholar program. CHANGES (Create habits, adopt new growth & enhance self) collaborates with campus healthcare services to provide resources at no cost to students facing challenges related to obesity. Get Fit For Finals is a campaign that educates the university community on the benefits of exercise in a competitive academic setting.

FUN FACTS

Last year, the Southwest Recreation Center and the Student Recreation & Fitness Center produced 1,298,893 visits, a 39 percent increase from 2013-2014.
Group Fitness offers 165 weekly classes and reported 141,091 participations in 2014-2015.
Intramural Sports hosted 2,764 teams in 6,978 total matches through league sports and flash tournaments, the department’s branded term for one-day tournaments. A 7 percent increase, 12,645 unique participants were recorded in 2014-2015.
Lake Wauburg welcomed 75,456 visitors including 3,737 participants in the newly expanded UF Outdoor Team Challenge Courses. The lake’s two parks also offer paddling, wakeboard appointments, an 18-hole disc golf course, mountain biking, a climbing wall and bouldering grotto, a swimming area and sports field.

The Southwest Recreation Center is a 140,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility with six indoor basketball courts, a split-level cardio room, Fitness Training Studio, massage therapy room, 14,000 square foot strength and conditioning area and a social lounge with a smoothie bar.
The department runs a social media photo challenge in July that engaged 2,038 unique users in 2014. Participants post photos guided by daily themes for 31 days using the hashtag #LiveInMotion on Instagram and Twitter. The department’s Snapchat account (UFRecSports) produces a weekly update series, produced by students for students.
The 2015 Midnight Fun Run welcomed 3,000 registered runners. The event is held the night following the end of spring classes and provides a safe, healthy environment for celebration before final exams and commencement.