FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER) building at the University of Arkansas is slated to undergo a $24 million renovation.
The renovation will feature a 13,000-sq-ft increase of fitness space, brand new turf functional training areas, updated fitness equipment, new and improved multi-purpose spaces, and modernized locker rooms, according to a Facebook post from the U of A.
The work is set to begin this summer and take about 15 months. The U of A's website says that the work will "add modern infrastructure and architectural updates to the building, as well as other features that will enhance students' and members' overall recreation experience."
The university says that the funding comes from bonds supported by existing facilities fees.
All university recreation programming will still be available during the construction, adding that other U of A recreational facilities, including the UREC Fitness Center in the Arkansas Union, UREC Sports Complex, UREC Tennis Center and the Tsa La Gi Bike Park, will remain open and operating as normal.
A release from the university says that students at the U of A helped the renovations come to fruition.
Leaders from the Associated Student Government and the Graduate Professional Student Congress, as well as student employees, gave feedback about the renovations throughout the planning process, and two students were even chosen to serve on the planning committee, according to the release.
"This will be an impactful improvement for our students and the university community," said Kristin DeAngelo, the interim executive director of University Recreation. "University Recreation is committed to the health and wellness of our campus, and it shows in this renovation. We are very thankful to the students who led the efforts to fund this project and are now able to see it come to fruition. As we embark upon these upgrades, we continue to focus on the ability to better serve the student body at the University of Arkansas."
Anyone with questions about the renovation can submit them using this form, and a staff member will get back to you as soon as possible. To keep up with the renovation, you can visit the HPER renovation webpage or follow @urecarkansas on Instagram.
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