Arthur Student Recreation Complex set to reopen with new fitness equipment
The Arthur Student Recreation Complex will reopen on Monday, Nov. 8 at noon with a revamped Fitness Center full of equipment funded by donors Barbara and Todd Kopczynski.
Lees-McRae College matched the private donation to fund the equipment and a small facility renovation. The reopening of the Student Recreation Complex reinforces the wellness priority initiative of INEXPRO 2030, the latest strategic plan. The reopening ceremony will feature a ribbon-cutting and remarks from President Lee King, senior London England ’22, Vice President for Student Affairs Melanie Hulbert, Director of Alumni Relations Katie Talbert, and Barbara Kopczynski.
“Wellness is a priority for our students, faculty, and staff so we are excited for the enhanced Student Recreation Complex,” King said. “This reopening, complete with the new fitness equipment, is a large step forward in our strategic commitments to being a responsible community. We are very grateful for the gifts of Barbara and Todd Kopczynski and their shared belief in the importance of health and wellness.”
The Fitness Center, which is just over 1,000 square feet, will feature cardio equipment, cable strength machines, free weights, and functional training equipment. Cardio equipment will include ellipticals, treadmills, a StairMaster stepmill, and upright stationary bikes. There are strength machines for a variety of muscle groups, including upper and lower body, adjustable benches, and a three-tier dumbbell rack. The functional training equipment area has medicine balls, foam rollers, core bags, and an indoor tire.
“With the opening of our new Fitness Center, Lees-McRae can offer students, faculty, and staff top-of-the-line equipment, programming and training opportunities, and customer-friendly hours of operation,” Hulbert said. “As a community committed to wellness, having a place to take care of our physical selves is important and allows us to be better students and colleagues.”
The Student Recreation Complex and Fitness Center will not be open to the public. The Fitness Center can be accessed by scanning a Lees-McRae ID card, but students, faculty, and staff must first be oriented with the equipment. Completing the 15-minute orientation and signing a waiver will activate ID cards for access.
Orientations will be offered every half hour from 1–9 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 8. The first 100 people to complete orientation will receive a T-shirt. The Fitness Center will open for regular use on Tuesday, Nov. 9 at 6 a.m. For the remainder of the fall semester, the Center will open from Monday through Friday from 6–10 a.m., noon–4 p.m., and 6–10 p.m. The Center will open from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
In addition to the Fitness Center, the Student Recreation Complex will offer unique health and wellness programming. More details on specific offerings will be announced soon.
