https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVgWFHxedpg#t=176
Health Fitness Revolution website has recognized Morehead State University’s Recreation and Wellness Center as a top 10 facility in the country.
According to the website, “More and more universities across the country are remodeling and building new facilities as a drawing point for prospective students. And it’s a good strategy too. Students want to be able to have a place to take a break from studies to relax and workout. There’s no better place on campus to do this than in top of the line facilities that boast large cardio centers, free weight rooms, personal trainers, pool, rock wall, and leisure areas, just to name a few.”
Health Fitness Revolution decided to explore the best of what college recreation centers have to offer because in addition to a solid education, university is when students often learn about their health and fitness patterns as adults. They researched what others online had to say were their top picks for college rec centers then did research of their own. Some important factors taken into account are: how new the building or renovation is, square footage, special amenities, and Leed Certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for buildings that reduce Carbon footprint).
MSU’s 100,000 square foot facility features a three-court gymnasium and fitness area with cardio and weight machines and free weights. The two-story building includes two racquetball courts, multipurpose rooms, running track, wellness lab, running and cardio balcony, game room and lounge. The aquatics area has a competition-size pool that includes a vortex, zip line and sun deck.
The grounds also feature a custom-designed Outdoor Adventure/Challenge course.
Discussion of a wellness center began in 2005 after President Wayne D. Andrews took office. A poll revealed that MSU students would be willing to pay higher fees to finance such a facility. It was authorized by the General Assembly in early 2006 to be built with institutional bonds.
The project came to an abrupt halt in spring 2006 when it was vetoed by the governor because of his concern about the state's growing debt. MSU hired an architect to begin detailed planning so that the project could proceed immediately upon being reauthorized by the legislature.
Dr. Andrews took the project back to the General Assembly in the 2008 session and it was authorized a second time.
Officials of MSU, along with the Board of Regents, local legislators and several current and past students, and members of the community were on hand (Aug. 11, 2009) for the groundbreaking ceremony for the $24 million center.
The facility is environmentally friendly and LEED certified by the U.S. Green Building Council. Located on the east side of the valley fronting Eagle Lake, the facility occupies part of the former sites of Lakewood Terrace, an apartment complex for students and employees, and Regents Hall, a four-story residence hall. Regents and Wilson halls, which had been out of service as residence halls since 2007, were razed in 2009.
Membership is free for students and employees. Membership packages are available for alumni and the community.
The center, designed by Hastings and Chivetta of St. Louis, and built by Dugan and Meyers Construction Co. of Cincinnati.
Additional information is available by calling 606-783-2083 or visit www.moreheadstate.edu/campusrec.