Rec Center expansion to begin soon

Architectural rendering of the UCCS Recreation and Wellness Center main entrance

Construction on what will become a campus student health and wellness center will begin Dec. 2, according to the Department of Facilities Services.

The $16.3 million 51,000-square foot expansion of the Campus Recreation Center will make way for a new student health clinic, counseling services and expand recreation options.  When complete, the project will almost double the footprint of the campus recreation center, Charles Cummings, project manager, Facilities Services, said.

“We have already begun discussing how the co-location of the Student Health Center, University Counseling Center, Recreation Center, and nutrition counseling services can offer unique programming opportunities,” Tamara Moore, executive director, Auxiliary Services, said. “Every student has some sort of health risk to varying degrees, whether it’s stress, unhealthy eating, lack of exercise or sleep deprivation. These behaviors can impede a student’s ability to succeed in college and life. We want to give students the tools to make positive, sustainable changes.”

In addition to new clinical and counseling spaces totaling 11,000 square feet, the expansion will include two additional gymnasiums, two additional fitness rooms, an expanded fitness floor, new offices and expanded locker room areas. Construction is expected to continue through fall 2015.

The site of the expansion was previously known as Lot 8. In anticipation of the construction, the lot was fenced earlier this fall and parking prohibited. Recreation Center users were encouraged to use the new Alpine Garage.

A change in subcontractor and retaining wall re-design delayed the project’s start by about six weeks, Cummings said.

“We apologize for the delay,” Cummings said. “While activity has not been obvious, we’ve been working hard behind the scenes to make sure the expansion results in a facility that the campus can be proud of and use for many years to come.”

This week, six temporary parking spaces close to the Recreation Center will be made available for use by individuals who are unable to walk from Alpine Garage. Use of the spaces will be by special permit issued by the Recreation Center staff.