Campus recreation facility projects are monumental endeavors, but—as highlighted in a recent webinar—success often hinges on the subtle details. During “Greatness is in the Details: Technical Tips that Drive Successful Recreation Facilities,” presenters from NIRSA Bronze Partner CannonDesign reviewed a comprehensive list of considerations for recreation professionals, urging them to focus on these nuanced decisions for the enduring success of their rec facilities.
This webinar is a must-view for anyone with upcoming facility renovation or construction projects. For those who couldn’t catch the live event, a recording of the webinar is available for free to NIRSA members and non-members.
Be meticulous with building choices
In essence, the webinar served as a comprehensive guide, urging recreation professionals at all levels to pay attention to the minutiae that can make or break a project.
Three presenters from CannonDesign explored “details that make a difference” in key rec center spaces, including:
- Lobby and check-in areas
- Gymnasia, multipurpose activity courts (MACs), and tracks
- Aquatic facilities
- Locker and changing rooms
- Fitness areas
- Outdoor pursuits, climbing walls, and bouldering
- Group exercise rooms
- Wellness zones
Being meticulous with building choices is critical for a facility’s long-term success. Take lobby and check-in areas as an example: These spaces were thoroughly dissected in the webinar, with presenters stressing the importance of a well-designed front desk control center serving as a digital information hub. Considerations for ADA access, security protocols, and spaces for gathering were explored, emphasizing the need for thoughtful wayfinding, recycling stations, bottle filling, equipment rentals, and branding elements.
Crucial details such as dimensions/configurations, spacing, flooring choices, transparent walls, and additional considerations for campuses hosting special events—with a focus on sustainable design strategies—were discussed about gymnasia and MAC courts. Program and design considerations in aquatic facilities were presented, along with sustainability considerations to mitigate their energy usage.
Locker and changing rooms are of particular importance, and details around usage patterns, locker styles and materials, shower stalls, gender considerations, and non-slip flooring were discussed. The fitness section provided insights into the evolving trends in cardio and weight training, emphasizing the significance of planning for equipment circulation, cooling systems, dedicated circuits, proper flooring, mirrors that start 18”-24” off the floor, and sanitizing stations.
Outdoor pursuits were discussed in the context of location, equipment storage, and the rising interest in climbing and bouldering. Group exercise and wellness areas delved into considerations for room flexibility, technology integration, and the evolving wellness model encompassing health services, counseling, and educational outreach.
The webinar concluded with a Q&A session, where tips for retrofitting outdated buildings were provided, emphasizing the need for a thorough facility audit.
By understanding and implementing technical tips from this webinar, leaders can ensure the success and longevity of their recreation facilities, leaving no room for regrets in the years to come.
- For more information about NIRSA’s Associate Showcase and sponsored content opportunities, please contact NIRSA Expo & Corporate Relations Coordinator Kelley Hungerford.
Kelley Hungerford is currently the Assistant Director of Expo & Corporate Relations at NIRSA.
