The multi-purpose facility, which is scheduled to open in Fall 2022, will include expanded recreational space and equipment, a rock-climbing wall, an upgraded health center, a counseling center with stunning outdoor views and a fuel bar for pre- and post-workout nutritional needs. Outside the building, there will be benches, a firepit and other inviting spaces.

Look Around

“It’s going to be beautiful,” said Tami Reilly, director of fitness and well-being. “As you walk in the lobby, it will feel like your home — a place to gather with friends, work out, learn about new programming options. You’ll notice the energy will change you right away.”

A Focus on Sustainability

Energy will be a big part of the Recreation and Wellness Center. It will be an environmentally responsible building designed to LEED gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. To earn the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design designation, the building must be constructed with an eye toward global stewardship and preserving the planet.

In addition to the other amenities, Reilly said there will be a dedicated athletic training space for club sports, wide views of Sleeping Giant State Park and four fitness studios, including one with a retractable wall for outdoor workout opportunities. It’s all part of a broader commitment to healing and sustainability at Quinnipiac.

 

“Sustainability is part of well-being, too. This building — and it’s really much more than a building — will bring all of these holistic elements together,” Reilly said. “We’re giving our students what they deserve. They’re so driven to take care of themselves. They’re so driven to do well academically. They’re leaders in clubs and organizations. They have incredible GPAs. It’s often hard for them to find time for themselves. This new building will help them do that.”

A Center for Wellness — For Body and Mind

The Recreation and Wellness Center, designed by DesignLab/S3, will make health and wellness a prominent feature of campus with the addition to the existing Athletic and Recreation Center on the west and south facades, a courtyard and terrace garden, and a new campus open space to the south.

The counseling center will provide welcoming spaces and broader access to clinical services and mental health care. Our state-licensed counselors are committed to supporting the intellectual, emotional and social development of all Quinnipiac students.

 

Bringing the Vision to Life

Sal Filardi, vice president for facilities and capital planning, is eager to get started on the project.

“It’s going to be a terrific facility for the whole well-being of our students and our community,” Filardi said. “It builds on the facility we currently have to make it more spacious and welcoming with lots of windows and light coming in. I’m really looking forward to it becoming a showcase facility.”

Filardi said he expects construction to last about 18 months, including some mild growing pains.

“Anytime we construct a new building in the middle of campus, there’s going to be some disruption, but we hope to keep it to a minimum,” Filardi said. “We won’t be able to access the current Recreation Center from all the same doors during construction — just the main north entry off the parking lot. We appreciate everyone’s understanding during construction, and in the end, we’re going to get a great new facility.”