University of Oregon breaks ground on $50 million fitness facility

University of Oregon students have okayed a $50 million expansion of the Student Recreation Centre. The big project includes adding a three-court gym and the finished Student Recreation Centre will have polished concrete floors, and tile accents throughout.

Ground-breaking is scheduled for July 10 and when construction is completed about 18 months hence, the difference will be dramatic, especially in size – the centre will be 300,000 square feet, double what it is today.

Expansive windows in the top two stories will offer a view of the Coburg Hills.  The cardio room will be doubled as will the strength and fitness areas.  This will complimented by a spin room with really high-end bicycles.

Plans call for the 55-year-old Leighton Pool to be capped and used as a cistern to store grey water — waste water from showers and sinks — which will be used to flush recreation centre toilets. The “jewel” of the project will be an aquatic centre with a 12-lane lap pool, a separate recreation pool and a 16-person spa with bubble-and-jet massage action — and with a waterfall spilling down into its waters.

The finished Student Recreation Centre will not be a bare bones facility despite its modern look which includes polished concrete floors fitted by specialist concrete flooring contractors.  The University of Oregon needs a souped-up Student Recreation Centre to keep enrolment growing; high school seniors on college tours will respond to the so-called wow factor.