Across the country, campus recreation departments are rethinking how space, equipment and facilities align with evolving student needs.
As student interests evolve and facilities age, campus recreation leaders face a common challenge: adapting existing spaces to meet demand while remaining flexible for the future.
Recent renovation projects at campus rec departments across the country offer a look into how universities are responding. Whether driven by student feedback, participation data or infrastructure limitations, these projects reflect a shift in campus rec toward strength training, functional fitness and multipurpose spaces.
This renovation roundup highlights how departments are moving beyond single replacements and using renovations as an opportunity to realign facilities with programming priorities, student needs and operational realities.
Strength and Conditioning III at the University of Georgia
Construction began on the University of Georgia’s (UGA) Ramsey Student Center in November 2025 to add around 10,000 square feet of strength and conditioning space to the facility. The project — titled Strength and Conditioning III (S&C III) — was driven by student feedback and the growing demand for strength equipment.
The S&C III project will expand areas for free weights and stretching, add new strength and cardio equipment, and allow the university to offer more physical education classes. The renovation includes converting two squash courts and six racquetball courts into one large room for weight and resistance training, anaerobic exercise, and functional fitness.
“Informed by student surveys, focus groups and the continued growth of our campus community, this expansion demonstrates a long-term commitment to student well-being,” said Keith Wenrich, the director of Recreational Sports at UGA. “We’re not just increasing capacity. We’re reimagining how students engage with fitness, wellness and community, ensuring these resources continue to support students now and for years to come.”
Read more about the S&C III project here.
Wright State University’s Fitness Center Upgrade
The Campus Recreation Fitness Center at Wright State University reopened in January 2026 after undergoing a renovation to modernize the space and replace 20-year-old equipment.
The project added 88 new fitness machines — including stair steppers, a hack squat machine and a glute bridge machine — along with upgraded lighting and flooring. Drew Corbett, the director of the Student Union and Campus Recreation, said student demand has shifted from cardio equipment to spaces to support strength training and functional fitness.
Find more information about the upgrade here.
$5.3 Million Multi-Phase Renovation at Furman University
Furman University is currently in the second phase of its renovation of the Herman W. Lay Physical Activities Center (PAC).
The first phase included updates to gym and group fitness studio floors, additional furniture in common spaces, and more. Phase two began in December 2025 and is based around the closure of the PAC’s existing pool. Since restoration would’ve required significant investment, the university decided to allocate the funds to other areas of the center and use the pool to further enhance them.
Portions of the former pool will be used to expand the fitness center to accommodate more users and equipment, and to create a climbing wall and temporary group fitness space. Additionally, two new classrooms will be added on the second floor in a former group fitness studio.
Find more information about Furman University’s renovation here.
East Carolina University’s Blount Recreational Sports Complex Renovation
East Carolina University (ECU) has contracted with FitFields for a $2.75 million renovation of the Blount Recreational Sports Complex, with construction expected to be completed by December 2026. The project will modernize portions of the complex and improve access and field quality for club and intramural sports participants.
The main driver of the renovation is the addition of the university’s first synthetic turf field. Greg Corack, the senior director of Campus Recreation and Wellness at ECU, said the turf will allow students to practice and compete during the wet winter months in North Carolina when grass fields are often unusable.
Discover more about the project at East Carolina University here.
Takeaways for Campus Rec Professionals
These projects highlight several trends and takeaways campus recreation leaders can apply to their own renovations:
Strength training continues to drive facility demand. Across departments, expanded free weight areas, functional training zones and strength equipment are replacing traditional cardio-focused layouts, reflecting how student interest has shifted.
Underutilized spaces are becoming opportunities. Racquetball courts, squash courts and pools are being reimagined to support higher-demand programming without the need for new construction.
Flexibility is a growing design priority. Multipurpose spaces that can accommodate classes, informal recreation and fitness programming offer departments adaptability as student interest continues to evolve.
Peer projects can support internal advocacy. Real-world examples from other campuses provide valuable context for conversations with campus stakeholders, facilities partners and senior leadership when planning or pitching future renovations.
For campus rec professionals, these renovations offer practical insights into how other departments are aligning facilities with student demand while making future-focused decisions.
