Texas University Starts Work on New Recreation Center

Texas A&M University-San Antonio (A&M-SA) recently announced that construction has begun on a new Student Recreation Center, according to a university news release. The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents approved the project in November 2022, and completion is scheduled for spring 2024. The space will measure in at 22,322 square feet.

The Student Recreation Center will include three major spaces: a gym, a weight room, and a set of locker rooms. The gym will feature a regulation-size basketball court and two 84-foot recreational basketball courts overlaid as cross courts, the news release reports. The fitness and weight room will measure in at about 3,400 square feet and 1.5 stories high, and will stand adjacent to the gymnasium.

“Our recreation center will be designed to enhance the student experience, improve recruitment, retention and magnify the brand of the university in an increasingly competitive marketplace,” said Darnell Smith, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreational Sports. “As our students pursue their lofty academic goals, we seek to provide an equal opportunity for them to pursue their health and wellness goals with the new facility.”

The Student Recreation Center will serve the campus at large and play home to university programs including strength and conditioning, ROTC drills and exercises, kinesiology classes, convocations, staff council meetings, campus town halls, and more, the news release reports. The university will also host camps, events, and clinics for the larger San Antonio community, according to the press release.

“The recreation center is the culmination of several years of institutional effort to strengthen student life and recreation on campus. It is arguably the most student-driven and student-led construction project in the university’s history,” said Student Government Association President Jacob Goldstein. “An audacious future for recreational and athletic offerings for students is just around the corner.”

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine

    Established in 1999, the Education Design Showcase is a vehicle for showing off innovative — yet practical — solutions in planning, design, architecture, and construction. Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine has been recognized with an EDS 2025 Project of Distinction award in the category of New Construction.

  • Kenall Introduces Millenium Flair Series

    In a move aimed at modernizing institutional lighting without compromising on durability or performance, Kenall has launched its new Millenium Flair series, according to the Kenall website.

  • Austin International School Library Renovation

    Established in 1999, the Education Design Showcase is a vehicle for showing off innovative — yet practical — solutions in planning, design, architecture, and construction. The Austin International School has been recognized with an EDS 2025 Grand Prize award in the category of Renovation.

  • illustration of a school building under construction

    One District, One Way: Bringing Consistency to K–12 Construction Projects

    From budgeting to closeout, here's how a single playbook can turn chaos into clarity in school construction programs.

Digital Edition