Mission
Be a catalyst for well-being by providing fun, safe and healthy experiences for all Shockers.
Description of Facility(s)
The Heskett Center
Named in honor of H. Dean Heskett, The Heskett Center is a 166,000-square-foot, shared-use facility. The Heskett Center serves Campus Recreation, Human Performance Studies, ROTC and the Dance Department.
- Cessna Gymnasium: Five convertible indoor courts including three hardwood collegiate-size basketball courts and a 200-meter indoor track with six lanes.
- Wiedemann Natatorium: 25-meter, eight-lane swimming pool and separate diving well.
- Circuit Room: Located on the lower level and features 17 Cybex stations.
- Performance Suite: Focus on your strength and conditioning with state-of-the-art cardio equipment and weight room.
- Esports Hub: 20 PC Units, two large-screen TVs and multiple consoles.
- Squash and Racquetball: Four Racquetball Courts and one squash court.
- F45 Studio: Internationally renowned high-interval intensity training studio in the heart of campus featuring group classes throughout the day.
- Shocker Fit Studios: Two Group X studios and two dance studios.
River Vista Boathouse
Located in the heart of Wichita along the Arkansas River, the River Vista Boathouse is home to Shocker Rowing, and the Boats and Bikes rental program.
Outdoor Recreation Complex
- Four Pickleball Courts.
- One futsal court.
- Two outdoor basketball courts.
Bombardier Learjet Practice Facility
Used primarily by the Wichita State University (WSU) baseball and softball teams, this 29,000-square-foot, climate-controlled facility features a full AstroTurf infield and retractable batting cages utilized by Campus Recreation for open recreation, intramurals and sports club events.
Metroplex Playfields
Intramural sports and numerous club sports teams are hosted here throughout the year with three lighted natural grass fields.
Programming Highlights
- 23 sport clubs and over 30 intramural sports events each year.
- 5K Pumpkin Run with over 700 runners in October of each year.
- Boats and Bikes rental program utilized by WSU Students and Wichita community members on the Arkansas River.
- Host the largest collegiate regatta in the Midwest each spring called the Plains Regional Regatta.
- Host 15 special events each year including a haunted house, Wellness Expo, and S’mores and Oars on the river.
- Rowing Team that includes over 60 Shocker Rowers.
- Aquatics programming includes swim lessons, Glide Fit classes, dive-in movies and the annual beach party.
- Opened a new cricket field in conjunction with the City of Wichita at a local park.
Fun Facts
- Opened in 1983.
- Has the only F45 studio in Wichita.
- Hosts four Division I indoor track meets each year.
- The original facility included a rifle range but was converted to batting cages in the 1980s.
- Hosts over 100 community events per year.
- Badminton is the second most popular open recreation sport behind basketball.
