Michigan State University will hold an open house later this month on the East Lansing campus to give students a look at the new Student Recreation and Wellness Center.
The April 15 open house comes ahead of the center’s grand opening scheduled for the fall. At nearly 293,000 square feet, the $200 million recreation center represents a significant investment in student well-being, the university says. The facility will provide multi-activity courts, an indoor track, strength and fitness spaces, a climbing wall, a turf arena and a 50-meter pool.
Michigan State says that research has shown that participation in recreational sports is linked to improved retention and academic progress, underscoring the critical role that wellness and connection play in helping students thrive.
The project has been in the works for over five years, The State News reports. The center is replacing the 68-year-old IM West facility, which is set to be demolished next year. The building has become functionally obsolete and would be too expensive to refurbish, the university says.
The new facility has an open floor plan, enabling students on the third level to overlook the entire building. Rick McNeil, the building’s project manager, said the space is designed to “bring the outdoors in,” with its spanning sunroof and frequent use of windows.
