We are pleased to announce that Recreational Sports has received a grant from the student Wellness Fund to convert one of our older squash courts to a new Fitness Training Studio, which will be opening fall 2018. The new studio is part of a broader student-initiated and -funded effort to provide more spaces for students to engage in an active and healthy lifestyle that fosters wellbeing and a sense of community. At the same time, we are excited to be providing newly renovated squash courts that meet the training and recreational needs for both our sports club and member players.
Student-initiated, inclusive studio
The request for this change was initiated by students to meet their needs for a more multi-use exercise space. There has been an increasing number of students using Recreational Sports facilities relative to the space we have available. The plan is to convert an underutilized and single-use space into a multi-use (and adaptable) space that will serve a more diverse collection of students and their needs. The new Fitness Training Studio, once complete, will provide our students with increased workout space at the RSF, alleviate crowding in the weight rooms, and will provide new adaptive, inclusive equipment and innovative fitness programming.
In April 2015, students decisively voted to increase their student registration fees to provide further opportunities and funding to health and wellness initiatives across campus. In an application to the wellness fund in fall 2017, students proposed the Fitness Training Studio. They identified this studio as a space that would help students of diverse abilities and needs meet their health, fitness, and recreational goals; identified a viable location; and there was a vote to support the construction of this studio through Wellness Fee funding.
Renovated courts continue to serve the squash community
The squash community is a valued part of the Recreational Sports family. Recreational Sports has consulted with the Sport Club administrative unit to ensure that the squash club will be able to practice and compete at its current high-level. Five squash courts will continue to serve the sports club and member players, maintaining current scheduling and availability in the courts where practices and programming have historically taken place, including courts 1 and 2 on the first floor, and courts 10, 11, and 12 on the lower level. Recent renovations to the courts include patching and painting of court walls, sanding of court floors, and installation of new LED lighting in the lower levels.
Construction on the Fitness Training Studio is expected to begin in late-June and be completed in time for the start of the fall semester. We anticipate that actual construction will begin in July and all five courts will continue to be available during construction.
Additional information and updates
We will be updating the Berkeley community in the coming months with developing news. You can check back here on the Recreational Sports website for these updates.
In the meantime, we welcome any questions or feedback you may have, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at recsports@berkeley.edu.
We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work to improve the Recreation & Wellbeing experience for our Berkeley students.
Rendering of the new student-initiated and -funded Fitness Training Studio
