Mission
The core purpose of the Department of Physical Education and Recreation (PE and Rec) at the University of Oregon (UO) is to educate, engage and inspire the campus community to live active, balanced lives. Holistic well-being lies at the foundation of our work.
The aim is to promote health and well-being through our programs and facilities. From physical education classes to a comprehensive aquatics complex, there’s something for everyone within campus rec.
Facility(s) Description
UO’s PE and Rec department operates one of the most dynamic collegiate recreation programs in the nation, anchored by the Student Recreation Center (SRC) — a state-of-the-art hub for fitness, sports and active living. Opened in 1999 and expanded in 2015, the SRC currently totals 251,555 square feet. It’s designed with both sustainability and accessibility at its core — earning a LEED Platinum certification. In combination with the department’s satellite facilities across campus, the total indoor space totals over 385,000 square feet.
One of the SRC’s signature architectural features is the main lobby. What once was an aquatics facility transitioned into a dynamic entry equipped with abundant social space, a large media wall and visuals of some of the amenities — including the climbing wall, a weight room and functional training space.
The aquatics complex includes a 12-lane, 25-yard competition pool with depths from 3.5 to 12 feet, two 1-meter diving boards, a recreation pool and a 16-person hot tub. Every amenity serves competitive swimmers, casual lap swimmers and anyone seeking relaxation.
Fitness enthusiasts enjoy over 45,000 square feet of dedicated strength and cardio space, including panoramic views of Eugene’s east valley and historic Hayward Field. Members have access to a plethora of exercise equipment, a full range of free weights, functional training zones and more than 150 pieces of cardio equipment ranging from treadmills to rowing machines.
Group fitness spaces range from cycling and boxing studios to mat rooms and a personal training studio. The SRC’s 30-foot indoor climbing wall and 20-foot bouldering wall challenge adventurers year-round.
Sport lovers will find 11 multipurpose courts for basketball, volleyball, badminton and pickleball along with indoor and outdoor tennis facilities. Four synthetic turf fields and two natural turf fields support soccer, lacrosse, rugby, flag football, softball and ultimate frisbee. A 400-meter outdoor jogging track encircles the tennis courts, supporting athletic events like track and field meets.
The Outdoor Program features a 6,200-square-foot barn where students can rent camping gear, backpacks, snow gear, rafts, paddleboards and kayaks.
Sustainability innovations are woven into the SRC’s daily operations. Solar arrays power heating for pool and shower water, a cistern flushes toilets, radiant heating and cooling reduce energy demands, and reclaimed materials from historic campus structures find new life in benches and finishes. With its expansive facilities, inclusive design and forward-thinking environmental features, the SRC is more than just a gym — it’s a vibrant, multi-use destination fostering health, recreation and community for Ducks of all abilities.
Programming Highlights
The PE and Rec department delivers a diverse mix of programs and services to promote wellbeing, foster community and encourage active lifestyles. From 2024-2025, the SRC recorded over 778,000 visits through turnstile and day-pass entries. During the three academic terms, an average of 60.23% of enrolled students used the facility.
Program participation was also strong across multiple areas. Intramural sports drew more than 44,000 participants across its multitude of offerings. Group fitness hosted over 36,700 participants in cycling, yoga, barre and high-intensity formats, while the rock wall welcomed more than 12,800 visits. The aquatics program recorded 29,400 participants, serving lap swimmers, recreational users and program participants alike.
The PE program complements recreation offerings with for-credit and non-credit classes in 13 areas — from aquatics and fitness to martial arts, racquet sports, team sports and weight training. From 2024-2025, PE enrollment exceeded 10,100 for-credit students and over 1,100 non-credit participants, totaling more than 226,000 participants across the year. Classes promote lifelong wellness, teach sport and activity skills, and prepare students for certifications in lifeguarding, personal training, group fitness instruction and well-being coaching. Many graduates transition into PE and Rec employment, creating a cycle of skill development, leadership and peer mentorship.
In July 2025, PE and Rec welcomed the Outdoor Program and Club Sports to their new home. While traditionally housed in recreation departments, these two established programs had previously operated under the student union. Club Sports, founded in 1963, has been serving UO students for more than six decades. Created in 1967, the Outdoor Program brings 58 years of student-powered outdoor adventure and leadership training to the department. Their addition integrates tradition, student engagement and program excellence into PE and Rec’s already diverse portfolio of services.
Fun Facts
- One of the SRC’s most innovative sustainability features hides in plain sight. The building’s original aquatics facility was transformed into the main lobby during the 2015 expansion. However, the old pool never truly disappeared. Instead, its deep basin became a rainwater-harvesting cistern tucked beneath the lobby floor. Rain collected from the roof is stored and repurposed to flush toilets and irrigate the surrounding landscape, reducing the facility’s reliance on municipal water.
- Every academic school year term, the PE program offers around 140 courses in the areas of Aquatics and Scuba, Fitness, Individual Activities, Leadership, Martial Arts, Mind and Body, Racquet Sports, Running, Team Sports, Weight Training and Outdoor Pursuits. Unique Outdoor Pursuits course offerings include Wilderness Survival, Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, Snow Camping, Avalanche Safety and more. Favorites for PE classes include Pilates Yoga Fusion, Line Dancing, Country Western Partner and Juggling. These classes can be taken for university credit or as activity classes.
- It’s not every day you find a Zen Zone in a collegiate rec center. The SRC boasts a Zen Zone featuring eight automatic massage chairs. The department goes above and beyond to support student and patron wellbeing, making relaxation and stress relief a high priority. Imagine unwinding in a massage chair between classes or after a long day — a truly unique and popular perk.
- The PE and Rec department’s strength lies in the areas of staff legacy, faculty excellence and team culture. The department’s professional staff has a combined 332 years of service. Some members having dedicated over 30 years to the university, shaping its culture and programs. The 38 part-time PE instructors possess a remarkable 496 years of combined teaching experience, bringing deep expertise and passion to their classes and programs. The department boasts a strong team culture characterized by belonging, mutual support, collaboration and fun.
Social Media Handles
Website: https://rec.uoregon.edu/
Instagram: uorecreation
