Renovation project has enhanced the size of the recreational centre, which is almost 50% bigger than the earlier building along with the addition of more activity space. It offers panoramic interior sight lines in three dimensions, and spaces to host various types of gatherings.
The new centre features a recreation pool with an area for water basketball or volleyball, along with a 25-person spa and a play area. Various large windows are featured which have UV-E protection and “fretting” dots to moderate sun exposure. More than 50% lockers have been added in locker rooms, which also sport private showers. More than 500 pieces of strength and cardiovascular equipment have been added, out of which, some will be placed in the new built-out spaces with large windows facing streets.
The recreation centre has been designed to offer maximum natural light through walls of glass that wrap around the corner of Martin Jischke Drive and Third Street. The renovation project has added more space and equipment, besides making some structural changes. The east and west entrances of the centre are connected by a large atrium, which offers access to health and wellness services, and is open to everyone.
Additional venues are created in the new centre such as a climbing wall, bouldering wall, and a gold and black gym reminiscent of Mackey Arena. The atrium offers views of all these facilities besides offering direct access between the atrium’s mezzanine and the spectator area of the aquatic centre.
Above the atrium, a one-eighth-mile, three-lane running track has been built on Level 3 which offers views out of the large windows on the east and west sides. A track surface is also included which is said to have one of the most shock-absorbing surfaces available for tracks. Level 4 has a one-tenth-mile track adjacent to an exclusive faculty-staff fitness area.
Many of the large residence halls are located in close proximity to the new recreation centre. The original centre opened in 1957 and was spread over 148,700 square feet. Purdue University was also the first university building in the US created solely to serve students’ recreational sports needs. The centre had undergone various renovations in the past, which increased its size to 355,000 square feet.
The centre is named for the university’s president who served from July 2007 to July 2012.
