PULLMAN, Wash. — The soon-to-open Student Recreation Center at Washington State University will add new dimensions to the WSU experience for students, according to a university official.
Opening its doors at 6 a.m. on Jan. 16 — the day spring semester classes begin at the university — the 160,000-square-foot SRC will give students a healthy way to burn off extra energy, said Kathleen Hatch, university recreation interim director.
“It will have something for everyone, whether a student wants to jog, swim, ride a bike, play hoops, lift, enjoy shuffleboard, hang out in the spa or simply enjoy a good cappuccino. Perhaps the greatest thing about the SRC will be its size,” she said. “Students will be able to wander off and find a nice quiet corner in which to exercise, without the world watching. Until now, we haven’t had that kind of opportunity on campus.”
WSU is one of a handful of universities with high caliber recreation centers paid for primarily by student fees, she said. The $39 million facility was funded by a student referendum passed in 1997. Starting this spring semester, there will be a mandatory fee of $100 per full-time student per semester.
“With this financial dedication, it was clear students were looking to heighten their college experience in a healthy and proactive way,” said Hatch. “Many WSU students, for the first time, will take a serious look at their well-being and fitness. The SRC will provide them with more options than ever before. Our hope is that everyone will begin life-long habits of healthy living and exercise.”
Not only will the SRC provide new ways to recreate on campus, but it will also add space to socialize and gather, and it will create more student employment. “We expect the SRC will have a profound effect on the campus culture at Washington State University,” she said.
When open, students will use SRC lap and leisure pools, a spa for up to 53 people, two gyms with seven courts, four racquetball/squash courts, an elevated track, multi-purpose rooms for activities, and, at 17,000 square feet, the largest student weight fitness room in the country. Health and wellness opportunities in the SRC will include a relaxation center with massage therapy, fitness programs including personal trainers, a nutrition clinic, health assessments and seminars.
On Feb. 22, a SRC grand opening ceremony and celebration open to the campus community and public is planned. Tours of the facility and fitness and recreation festivities will be held throughout the day.
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