The Recreation and Wellness Center, located on Kennesaw State’s Marietta Campus, reopened on Aug. 29 following extensive renovations to the building’s interior.
Some of the significant additions to the center included the replacement of a small clinic with a lounge room and space for the housing of equipment and weights following the removal of a pool.
The facility first opened its doors over 25 years ago. Although the center managed to maintain its basic functions for the duration of that time period, some areas needed improvement, which in turn spurred the decision to remodel.
“The facility was built in 1996 and due to the age of the facility the mechanical system was in need of a full replacement, which provided us with the opportunity to renovate and expand programming for the students,” KSU’s Senior Director for Sports and Recreation Donald Brookshire said. “The Department of Sports and Recreation is always looking for opportunities to improve the student recreation experience.”
Plans for renovations were first drawn up in 2021, with the basic details drawn out in a Construction Journal page from February of that year. It notes how, “the proposed renovation project will focus on approximately 16,500 square feet of existing Student Center, consisting of mechanical system improvements, infill of the existing pool, and creation of additional recreation space (weights, equipment)”. Work started for the remodeling in Oct. 2022.
As mentioned by Director Brookshire, a major goal during the renovation process was to overhaul the facility’s mechanical system, particularly the heating and ventilation. Additions to the facility include a new chiller, boiler and HVAC system. A single unisex bathroom was also added, housing a shower, sink and toilet.
Over 70 pieces of strength and cardiovascular gear were brought in for student use, 83% of which were purchased new. Some of the gear includes plate loading gear, bikes, ellipticals and free-weight equipment. Although it’s only been open for a week, Brookshire indicated that everyone who’s been to the rec center seems happy with all of the additions.
“The students, staff, and faculty are elated to have a renovated facility with expanded programming open and available [for] all to use,” Brookshire said. “The initial responses have been positive, and students are enjoying the new fitness equipment and program areas.”
There are plans for new spaces and features to be added to the Marietta rec center, most notably two pickleball courts, a climbing gym and more spaces for outdoor sports.
The Marietta campus recreation center is open from 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.
More details can be found on the center’s website.
