More fitness space, better user experience offered by a ‘better Belk Gym’
The newly renovated Belk Gym will reopen Monday, Nov. 16, for limited fitness and recreational use. Final move-in efforts will continue; however, students and visitors to the facility will notice a number of improvements, including air conditioning for the gymnasiums and workout facilities and upgrades that feature a new fitness center and cycling studio.
Academic classes, sport clubs activities and intramural sports will resume in Belk Gym in January. Renovations will continue through spring on the pool.
“Students, faculty and staff will be very pleased with Belk Gym’s new features,” said Jim Walczyk, director of recreational services. “Combined with this year’s improvements to the SAC Fitness Center, we’ve come a long way towards addressing the recreational needs of a growing campus population.”
Originally built in 1970, Belk Gym is the administrative headquarters for the Departments of Kinesiology and Recreational Services. Newly renovated classrooms and laboratories will provide modern learning spaces for students pursuing degrees in kinesiology, athletic training, exercise science, respiratory therapy and Outdoor Adventure Leadership.
The Recreational Services Department manages the overall facility, which includes the fitness center and weight room; cycling and group fitness studios; basketball, volleyball and racquetball courts; and academic spaces. The department also programs the group fitness classes, sport clubs and intramural sports activities.
While students can access to Belk Gym with their student I.D., faculty and staff members need a fitness membership to use it. Memberships can be purchased at Belk Gym or the Barnhardt Student Activity Center at varying levels ranging from $20-$200. For more information on fitness memberships, visit recreational services or the Barnhardt Student Activity Center.
The new Belk Gym features:
- A modernized HVAC system
- More than 8,000 square feet of dedicated fitness space
- Redesigned exterior main entrance, façade and plaza
- Redesigned lobby and visitor amenities
- Refinished basketball courts
- Increased lighting and way-finding amenities
- New stairs for improved circulation and security
- Increased seating capacity for the auditorium-style lecture hall
- Additional and properly equipped classroom and lab space
- Day lockers and individualized shower stalls
- Improved accessibility from locker rooms to swimming pool
- Mechanical, structural and landscape improvements