Renovated rec centers at Purdue University and Nicholls State University will open their doors to students and faculty this fall.

Purdue University’s $98 million expansion and renovation of its 53-year-old Co-Rec Sports Center in Lafayette, IN, will be finished in October, with about 60 percent completed as students arrive for the school year in August. The renovation is being funded through a $91 student tuition increase.

The newly named Student Fitness and Wellness Center will feature four levels in addition to a separate aquatics center. The 30,000-square-foot basement alone will feature a 50-foot climbing wall and eight racquetball courts along with several fitness areas. A 24-person spa and additional wellness and fitness areas, including cardio and other exercises, will be located in the rest of the renovated and expanded facility. The Turf Recreation Exercise Center (TREC), with more than 11,000 square feet of strength and fitness equipment, will be used during the transition period.

Nicholls State University’s rec center in Thibodaux, LA, also is on track to be open in time for the return of students in the fall. Construction of the $16 million, 63,000-square-foot facility is being funded through bond sales and student fees. When the building is completed, it will have an indoor walking track, 6,000 square feet of cardio equipment and 5,000 square feet of strength training machines.

The new rec center also will feature basketball and volleyball courts in addition to multipurpose exercise rooms.

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