In addition, other campus initiatives are pushing at the boundaries of outdoor spaces traditionally reserved for outdoor recreation. These led Purdue to develop the Recreation and Wellness Master Plan. The plan provides a framework for re-examining program offerings and exploring opportunities for improving outdoor recreation and wellness facilities.

The process includes an analysis of programming and potential development sites to develop a strategy that meets current and future recreation, health and wellness needs. The plan includes a needs assessment and utilization analysis of existing outdoor facilities. Student and user group input was incorporated through the process to guide the master planning team. Four task forces took a deeper look at social wellness; health and wellness; facilities and safety; and recreation and organized sports.

By providing a guide for future RecWell expansion, the master plan will place Purdue as a leader in campus recreation and wellness facilities and programs.

The standard of wellness at San Diego State University continues to evolve with the new Aztec Recreation Center (ARC). The Aztec concept of wellbeing expands beyond the traditionally physical to also encompass social, emotional, occupational, multicultural, environmental, spiritual, and intellectual aspects of student and community life. By facilitating this holistic and balanced approach to health among a diverse student body, the act of learning moves beyond the confines of a seminar room and into the spaces shared communally. Education and growth happen everywhere.

“A new student union” for this part of campus, the ARC incorporates lounges and spaces for socializing, relaxing, and studying both inside and throughout the adjacent outdoor plaza. The ARC is organized around a climbing courtyard and a central spine called “The Canyon.” This spine infuses the building with daylight and fresh air. Fitness programs surround the climbing courtyard. The courtyard is connected physically and visually to the Plaza by the spine.

The renovation/expansion project is working to achieve LEED Platinum Certification for new construction and for Building Operations & Maintenance upon completion.

Texas A&M University (College Station, TX) has the largest student body in the State of Texas, and one of the largest in the country, with more than 69,000 students enrolled at its flagship campus. Understanding its need for expanded recreation services, the University selected SmithGroup to design a new satellite recreation facility, known as South Campus Recreation Center.

The facility will feature strength and conditioning areas, multi-purpose courts, a bouldering wall, group exercise studios, administrative areas, and food service space. To provide the highest efficiency of use for the campus community, the existing natural turf fields will be replaced with one synthetic turf field, dugouts and a restroom/storage/rental facility. The addition of synthetic turf, along with adapted field lighting, will extend the length of seasonal play on the field. This allows additional intramural and club sports programs to be scheduled by the University’s RecSports department.