A little feng shui for the lobby furniture and some laundry to wash the factory feel from the new towels are among the fine-tuning that the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center is undergoing as it prepares for a sneak-peek opening on Aug. 2.

The center will open free to the public for two weeks prior to its official opening at the start of the school year, allowing people to test out the facility.

Students are looking forward to checking out the attractions, but some worry about the crowd anxious to do the same — especially because fees to use the facility are included in the student fees.

“I feel like it might get a little crowded for me,” junior Kathleen Ahrens said. “If it gets too crowded, I might look into something else.”

Though the estimated 5,000 to 7,000 people a day seems to be a concern for some students, Kerry DuBay, the associate director of Recreational Services marketing and membership, said center staff are confident it won’t be an issue.

Free zone

Through the doors of the Burlington Street main entrance is what Recreational Services Director Harry Ostrander calls the “free zone,” which doesn’t require a membership and is free for anyone to enter.

It includes the main lobby, a long corridor stretching from the north to south entrances that offers an escape from inclement weather, as well as access to a second-floor hallway that allows people to view two basketball courts from behind a glass wall.

Lounge furniture provides a relaxing place to sip refreshing drinks from the Tropical Smoothie Café.
Also accessible in the free zone is the Wellness Center, which was created as a way to consolidate wellness programs across campus that encourage a healthy culture at the UI. It includes massage therapy and health assessments.

Courts

Three basketball courts, one of which can be used as an indoor hockey or soccer field, are located on the second floor. But intramurals will remain at the Field House, Ostrander said.

“This area is going to be primarily a drop-in facility,” Ostrander said. “So students know they can always come in here and be able to play.”

The only scheduled programs will be Thursday through Saturday nights as a way to redirect late-night entertainment from downtown to the Center. Activities will include movies in the leisure pool and sporting contests in the gym.

“We hope to be a really good late-night alternative for students,” Ostrander said. “Especially for those who are underage, now that they can’t go to the bars. We are keeping the area open until [1 a.m.] on the weekends, and we will not only be open but have programs and activities available to encourage them to come in.”

Equipment and lockers

Large windows on the north side of the building allow students to enjoy views of campus as they use cardio equipment and weights. While the free weights will be primarily located on the first floor, the 72 treadmills, 44 elliptical, and plenty of stationary bikes will keep students busy elsewhere.

Machines are also available for those interested in circuit training.

With a monthly fee of $15, one will have access to a locker lounge with a large-screen TV and couches. The door opens through a biometric hand scanner so that no key is necessary.

Aquatics

After a tough workout, students can relax in the 30-person hot tub, located in the leisure pool. With zero-depth entry, a current channel, water volleyball and basketball, and even a video screen that can play movies, the Center staff thinks this pool will be one of the most popular areas.

The Olympic-sized pool, still undergoing minor construction details, is considered by Iowa head swimming coach Marc Long to be one of the top facilities in the Big Ten — if not the best. Custom-made starting blocks and seating for an audience of 1,200 are just a few of its highlights.

The wait is over — almost

Large crowds or not, Monday’s “sneak peek” opening is still highly anticipated by many students.

Sophomore Greg Rothstein said he’s excited to use the facility because the Field House wasn’t within a reasonable distance to him last year.

“I think it looks visually and architecturally awesome,” he said. “And I can’t wait to see the inside.”