PUBLICATIONS Inside Illinois Vol. 28, No. 6, Sept. 18, 2008

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New recreation center provides more than a good workout

Campus Recreation opened the doors to its new Activities and Recreation Center on Aug. 21 with thousands of visitors checking out the renovated facilities on that first day.

Located at 201 E. Peabody Drive, Champaign (and previously known as the Intramural Physical Education Building or IMPE), the ARC was opened after a complete renovation and expansion that added 120,000 square feet and an entire upper level.

“The facility is not just a recreation center,” said Tony Clements, director of Campus Recreation, “but a gathering place for study sessions, social interaction, meetings and much more.”

 Wireless Internet, a café, a pro shop and a 150-seat auditorium are some of the new non-recreation features. Other new features include a 34-foot tall climbing wall, an instructional kitchen, massage therapy and a wellness center. The facility also features 12 courts, seven multipurpose rooms, 1 MAC Gym, 1/5-mile indoor track, 34,000 square feet of fitness space, indoor and outdoor 50-meter pools, and a 35-person sauna.

“With the ARC and CRCE (Campus Recreation Center East), we are providing the university and community opportunities never offered before,” Clements said. “We have any and all recreation opportunities, but now we also have the social and mental aspects covered. These are facilities that allow for outside-the-classroom teaching and learning through the interactions that takes place.”

Wellness showcase offers activities to live a more balanced life

A group of campus and community organizations is hosting the Health and Wellness Showcase from 2-7 p.m. Sept. 25 at the Activities and Recreation Center.  This event is the first of its kind to offer a variety of activities that broaden the learning scope of living a more balanced life.

The free community event features more than 85 educational exhibits covering a broad range of activities within the six dimensions of wellness: emotional, environmental, intellectual, physical, social and spiritual.  Many exhibits feature active participation, including a pottery wheel; kids’ hands-on art; dancing with a Sesame Street character; spinning/weaving; Wii Fit; cardio tennis; trivia quizzes; and chances to win great prizes.

Participants also are encouraged to attend interactive demonstrations, such as healthy cooking, rock climbing, interacting with companion animals, Tai Chi, water exercise (weather permitting), brain fitness cycling, and  meditation with gentle yoga.

Parking is available. For a complete schedule of events, visit the showcase Web site. More information also is available by calling 244-4002.

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