University Recreation is excited to announce that the new University Recreation Center won a NIRSA Outstanding Facility Award for 2021. These awards recognize excellence in innovative designs of new, renovated and/or expanded collegiate recreation and wellness facilities at NIRSA member institutions across the nation. NIRSA is a leader in higher education and advocate for the advancement of recreation, sport and well-being.
The facility, which opened in January 2020, offers 148,000 square feet of fitness and recreational space for the campus community. With 30,000 square feet of dedicated space for fitness equipment, five group fitness and multi-purpose studios, four multipurpose indoor courts, outdoor courts and an indoor and outdoor pool, the facility offers something for everyone.
“The NIRSA Outstanding Facility Award is an accomplishment that acknowledges the dedication and hard work of many people over a number of years and recognizes that a vision for the University was accomplished at a high standard," said Jim Walczyk, Director of University Recreation.
"I am proud we were recognized, as it shows we are part of a campus that understood the need to improve its recreational opportunities for its university community, made a commitment to the project and supported it through the entire process. In addition, I am extremely proud of the unselfishness and overall effort of the University Recreation staff from professionals to support staff to students who have been involved each step of the process to take the project from an idea to reality. The recognition by NIRSA shows that our goal to provide for our students needs at a high level, which was also the first priority, was accomplished and that our national association and colleagues around the country agree that we did it extremely well. It also signifies University Recreation being able to further its mission of providing access and opportunities through recreation on levels not obtainable prior to the facility as we support the health and well-being efforts of all on campus.”
To learn more about the University Recreation Center and how to get involved, visit the department website at urec.uncc.edu.