Hidden Gems: Three unique UREC features you don’t want to miss

The newly opened University Recreation Center (UREC) has a lot of space for some really cool amenities. The five story, 148,000-square-foot building was intentionally designed to accommodate the wide variety of physical activity needs of Niner Nation, with each floor providing different fitness opportunities.

Potentially lost in the vast array of cardio equipment, strength training machines, free weights and studios, are a few subtle features created to give the facility a personal and distinctively Niner touch.

Here are three UREC features you shouldn’t miss!

artifact Wall

The Artifact Wall was designed with Sport Clubs and Intramural Sports in mind. The wall holds artifacts from the 40+ sport clubs on campus, as well as artifacts from various intramural leagues and tournaments. While most people think of the University Recreation department for the facilities it offers, the Artifact Wall aims to educate the University community of the many traditional and exceptional opportunities available at UREC.

Student Goals graphics

UREC really is a building for the students by the students. University Recreation collected more than 1,000 health and wellbeing goals from students and incorporated them into the graphics throughout the building. The department’s motto is “your goals—our mission,” meaning it strives to help students and the campus community to achieve their goals, and hopes each individual who enters the facility feels the department is an accountability partner in their journey.

Mining Theme

Throughout the facility, you will find various nods to gold and mining meant to represent the core of what it means to be a Niner. Golden graphics line the center of the building and enshrine hand-written student goals. This center—the “core” of the building—symbolizes the building is made by students for students. You will also find other subtle hints of gold, like the ceiling of the indoor pool, which represents golden veins as well as the architectural ceiling design that mimics a mine shaft—and also leads you back to the building’s core staircase.

Want more information?

To learn more about the facilities, membership, hours of operation and classes, visit urec.charlotte.edu.