The University of Arkansas will open the University Recreation Fitness Center in the Arkansas Union in late November 2011. The department of University Recreation will operate the facility in addition to its main facility in the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Building. 

The University Recreation Fitness Center will occupy a section of the second floor space in the Arkansas Union adjacent to the treasurer’s office.  This space was previously occupied by the first floor of the University of Arkansas Bookstore. The center will feature almost 6,000 square feet of fitness floor space, a 1,500-square-foot group exercise room, and men’s and women’s locker and shower facilities.

The UREC Fitness Center will be available to students, faculty, staff and alumni. This brand new facility will feature state-of-the-art equipment, including 43 cardio machines with personal televisions and more than 30 televisions mounted along the walls. Free amenities include day lockers and Wi-Fi. Select group exercise classes that are currently offered at the HPER building will be accessible at the UREC Fitness Center.   

There will be a membership rate for faculty, staff and alumni to be able to use the UREC Fitness Center. For faculty and staff, a membership may be purchased at $35 per semester (fall/spring/summer) or $95 for one year. 

Faculty and staff may purchase a one-year membership to both the HPER and UREC Fitness Centers for $203. Members also have the option to buy a year membership to only the HPER or the UREC Fitness Center. Members may add family members for $20 per semester or $45 per year to utilize both the Donna Axum and UREC Fitness Centers. Medium and large lockers will also be available for purchase each semester. The locker fee will include towel service. 

Alumni may purchase a membership at $80 per semester or $215 for the year. Alumni members may add family members for $25 per semester.

Student memberships for both the HPER and the UREC Fitness Center are included in tuition.

While the UREC Fitness Center will open in November, a “Grand Opening” has been tentatively scheduled for a date in mid January 2012. Festivities at this event will include personal trainers on site, group exercise demos, door prizes and more.

Memberships may be purchased through the main office in the HPER building or at the UREC Fitness center office. Spring membership terms for the UREC Fitness Center will run from late November through May 15. The UREC Fitness Center office hours will be Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

Please visit the University Recreation Fitness Center webpage to see a complete list of operational hours. For additional information regarding the UREC Fitness Center, please contact Kristin Durant, assistant director of fitness facilities, at 575-2998 or kldurant@uark.edu or Jeremy Battjes, director of University Recreation, at 575-4686 or jbattje@uark.edu.