Outside Magazine Names University of Arkansas Among Top 25 for Outdoor Colleges

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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Outside Magazine recently ranked the University of Arkansas as one of its “top 25 outdoor colleges” based on the many outdoor options that are close to campus, including the Buffalo National River, Beaver Lake, several state parks as well as regional trails and greenways.

The Outside article honors the university with spot No. 21 on its list and points out that the university also offers a variety of outdoor resources to help explore the Natural State and beyond directly on campus. The Outdoor Connection Center, located in the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Building, offers diverse adventure activities and extensive leadership opportunities available to any student or staff or faculty member.

“The Outdoor Connection Center gives me an opportunity to get out and explore the Natural State with fellow students,” said John Kennedy, freshman mechanical engineering major.

An average of 70 trips and clinics are offered through the center each year. These trips include various cycling, hiking and biking activities. Some of the most popular trips the students will take this fall are backpacking at the Grand Canyon National Park, ice climbing in the silos of Iowa and skiing in Breckenridge, Colo.

“It is never too early to sign up for your next adventure with the Outdoor Connection Center,” said Jennifer Hazelrigs, assistant director for the Outdoor Connection Center. “It’s the first week of school and we have already had two people come in and pay for the ski trip in January.”

Any current student or UREC member can rent a variety of equipment from the outdoor center including kayaks, canoes, tents, sleeping bags, stoves, bikes, climbing shoes and more.

Another unique resource on campus is a full-service bicycle shop, located within the Outdoor Connection Center, which provides students, faculty, staff and UREC members a convenient option for keeping their bikes maintained and running properly. The Bike Shop has two bike mechanics and is open Tuesday through Thursday from noon to 6 p.m.

“The bike shop is a great place to come because there’s always someone who can help educate you on how to do your own bike maintenance,” said Monica Evans, junior nursing major. “That’s why we’re in school, to learn new things!”

In addition to bike repair services, patrons may also purchase small parts like spare tubes, grip tape and bike lights. Unlike most bike shops, the outdoor center’s Bike Shop allows students to use its tools and repair stands to work on their own bikes for a very small fee.

A new state-of-the-art bouldering wall was opened in the spring of 2012. The wall is free for students to climb.

The Outdoor Connection Center is a program area of the department of University Recreation. For more information on the Outdoor Connection Center, please visit urec.uark.edu or call 479-575-CAMP.