The Hadley Family Recreation & Well-Being Center, a state-of-the-art campus recreation facility aimed at promoting health and well-being, is set to open at the University of Michigan. Located on the former Central Campus Recreation Building site, this center will cater to the university community’s fitness needs. The project, which began in September 2018 and encountered delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, cost approximately $165 million. The new facility joins the North Campus Recreation Building and the Intramural Sports Building as part of Michigan Recreation’s offerings.
The soft opening is scheduled for June 17, with summer hours from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. By the fall semester, the schedule will expand to 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The Hadley Center’s opening coincides with the university’s Year of Human Health and Well-being, emphasizing a commitment to campus wellness. Visitors can expect a range of amenities that include swimming, cardiovascular training, and specialized areas for basketball, squash, and climbing.
Martino Harmon, vice president for Student Life, highlighted the center’s role in enhancing the student experience and providing a space for connection and well-being. Designed by RDG Planning and Design and Integrated Design Solutions, the 200,000-square-foot facility features five levels of fitness and wellness amenities. The Hadley Family’s transformational $20 million gift supported the center, emphasizing the investment in student success and community building.
Rob Ernst, the university’s chief health officer, noted that the center’s design fosters both physical health and a sense of belonging. The building includes a mind and body studio and social spaces, offering natural light and ample exercise areas. Mike Widen, director of Michigan Recreation, emphasized the importance of community connection in the facility, stating that well-being is a core component of the center’s mission.
How to join
U-M students enrolled in the current or previous term have free access to the Hadley Center and other Michigan Recreation facilities. Faculty and staff can join with a membership at $35 per month or $380 annually. The primary focus remains serving students, faculty, staff, alumni, and retirees. More information on membership rates can be found here.
Once inside …
Visitors enter through the Pitt Family Plaza and Samantha & Ross Partrich Entry. The center includes reception areas, conference spaces, and various fitness areas across its levels. Facilities include an aquatics center, climbing center, gymnasiums, and multiple-purpose rooms. The design encourages social interaction with natural light and diverse exercise options.
Climbing center
The climbing center stands out with a 52-foot wall, providing unique climbing experiences, including top-rope and speed climbing. The facility plans to offer climbing instruction and equipment rentals once fully operational. This feature is among the tallest in a campus recreation center nationwide.
Aquatics center
The aquatics center boasts three pools catering to different activities and temperatures, including a lap pool, recreation pool, and recovery pool with jets. Steam and sauna rooms complement the aquatic experience, enhanced by a large video board for events.
Strength, fitness spaces and multi-purpose rooms
The facility offers eleven areas for strength and cardio exercises, accommodating diverse fitness levels. Multi-purpose rooms support various activities with advanced technology for tracking workouts. The lower level houses the heaviest equipment, designed to withstand rigorous exercises.
Gymnasiums, the track and the sprint ramp
The Michigan Gymnasium and Wolverine Gymnasium provide space for sports and events, featuring U-M branding and local materials. An indoor track and turf sprint ramp offer dynamic workout options influenced by student feedback.
Mind and body studio
The Josephine Tsao Mind & Body Studio offers panoramic campus views and creates an atmosphere for relaxation and wellness activities, using adjustable lighting for ambiance.
Notable firsts
A turf court and a dedicated cycling room mark unique features in Michigan Recreation, offering versatile spaces for different sports and activities.
Accessibility and inclusivity
The Hadley Center is designed with inclusivity in mind, featuring accessible entries, restrooms, and adaptive fitness equipment. Locker rooms offer gender-specific and inclusive options for privacy and comfort.
Sustainability
Aiming for LEED Platinum certification, the center incorporates sustainable elements like solar panels, energy-efficient systems, and drought-tolerant landscaping, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
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