The Recreation Center on Grand Valley State University’s Allendale Campus is set to receive major updates incrementally throughout 2025. The changes aim to address accessibility issues at the Rec Center by implementing over 80 pieces new equipment, inclusive workout spaces and expanded adaptive sports opportunities.
The equipment and renovations will be integrated in three phases, with the first phase focusing on accessibility. The remaining two phases of the update will focus on strength and functional fitness areas of the facility. The renovations act as an investment from the University to increase participation and belonging by matching the needs of the entire student body.
The Rec Center is a community-oriented health facility that is frequented by many GVSU students and community members. Director of Recreation & Wellness Aaron Mowen said the facility will continue to foster “stronger community connections, support mental health and provide equitable access to recreation” for students.
The new equipment will include treadmills, bikes and ellipticals made by the brand Technogym. When used with the Technogym app, users will be able to track workouts, communicate their progress with coaches and instructors, access guided workouts and utilize streaming services.
“The introduction of Technogym equipment enhances engagement through interactive workouts, gamified challenges and virtual coaching, while the Technogym app allows users to track progress, set goals and check equipment availability in real-time,” Mowen said. “These efforts, combined with strategic facility updates and inclusive programming, help break down barriers to participation, reinforcing a sense of belonging and community.”
The newly-minted, inclusive workout space features equipment that is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The room highlights a first-of-its-kind “REV pulley” that supports precision training by users at all levels. The workout space also has a personal fitness area at the upper-track level that includes a multifunctional rack, accessories and benches for circuit training.
“Making changes to the Recreation Center is essential for enhancing student engagement, well-being and accessibility while aligning with campus-wide goals of belonging and inclusion,” Mowen said. “This commitment is reflected in training that prioritizes approachability, accessibility and customer service to ensure that everyone feels comfortable from the moment they enter the facility.”
The University maintains a reserve fund for renovations and replacing outdated equipment, according to Mowen.
“This financial planning ensures that the facility can continuously evolve to meet the needs of students, faculty and staff while maintaining a high standard of quality and accessibility,” said Mowen.
As well as upgrades to the center itself, the intramural sports program is also expanding so that students of all abilities can participate. Adaptive sports such as pickleball, wheelchair basketball, goal ball, seated volleyball, tennis and flag football are expected to host additional sessions.
Carson Smith, a sophomore at GVSU, is excited about the updated intramural sports program. Smith is part of the University’s intramural soccer and volley programs, and is hoping to participate in the accessible flag football sessions.
“I enjoy (intramural) sports because they allow me to keep playing sports I love, without the time commitment and stress of playing club sports,” Smith said.
Dakota Francoeur, the intramural sports coordinator at GVSU, said the inclusive sport programs are for all students, not just those who may need different accommodations.
“A lot of people look at adaptive sports as something they can’t do because they don’t have a disability,” Francoeur told GVNext. “We (in intramural sports) want to make an inclusive environment for the students that need it, but also a space to educate those that don’t.”
By purchasing new equipment and developing more inclusive health facilities, the Rec Center hopes to meet student feedback and industry standards with innovative and accessible solutions to better accommodate all students.
