As a senior in Auburn University’s Interior Design program, it can be hard to find the time to take care of myself. There have been many nights where I have struggled with the decision to work more on a project or to catch a few more Zzz. However, this semester I’ve made a commitment to myself to take the time to work out and relieve some of my stress. What a better time to start, now that I’m a senior, right?! I guess it is better late than never!
This fall, I signed up for a class called Active Auburn through the Physical Education Department. Basically, you go to three group fitness classes a week and take quizzes on different topics pertaining to various physical activities. And guess where these fitness classes are? Auburn’s BRAND SPANKIN’ NEW Recreation and Wellness Center! The facility was designed and constructed by Robins & Morton of Birmingham, Alabama.
“The Auburn University Recreation and Wellness Center provides approximately 240,000 square feet of recreational space for Auburn students, faculty and staff to use in their pursuit of a healthier lifestyle.”
240,000 square feet?! WOW! And let me tell you- it is BEAUTIFUL inside! I am so lucky to be able to experience one of the best recreation facilities in the country.
So here’s what is inside:
- 1/3 mile indoor walking & running track
- Cardio/fitness training areas
- Weight training areas
- 8 Basketball courts
- Outdoor activity & leisure pool
- Rock climbing wall (three stories HIGH!)
- Group exercise studios (yoga, spinning, mind-body, Zumba- my FAVORITE, etc.)
- Multi-purpose court (indoor soccer court/badminton courts, volleyball courts)
- Locker rooms
- Golf simulator room (has all the golf courses on the PGA Tour, except for the Masters)
- Racquetball courts
The Recreation and Wellness Center complies with LEED standards but did not receive building certification. (I am not sure if they actually applied for certification of if they just went by the standards set by LEED. Certification can be really expensive!) Auburn University has made a pledge to make sustainability one of the guiding principals on campus.
The major theme of the Recreation & Wellness facility was the “marriage” of the indoors and the outdoors. In its center is a courtyard full of plants, benches, fountains, and fresh air. It is a great place to relax after a good workout before getting back to studio work.
All of the graphics throughout the building are from pictures taken from the Auburn area, primarily in Chewacla State Park.
Here is the link for the video for the Recreation & Wellness Center:
https://cws.auburn.edu/CampusRec/cm/RaWC/Video
The video shows the Auburn REC Center renderings from the design phase. I HIGHLY recommend checking them out! You will definitely get a feel for the space.
AND here is the link for the webcam facing the Recreation & Wellness Center:
https://cws.auburn.edu/CampusRec/cm/RaWC/Webcam
You can look for me on Tuesday nights around 8PM and Fridays around 11AM. I’ll wave at the camera!
References:
https://cws.auburn.edu/CampusRec/cm/Facilities/RaWC
http://www.robinsmorton.com/au-recreation-wellness-center-nears-completion/
Kathryn R Jones 