Beginning in summer 2024, the U of A’s HPER Building will start a 15-month renovation that will add modern infrastructure and architectural updates to the building, as well as other features that will enhance students’ and members’ overall recreation experience. This renovation will add an additional 13,000 sq. ft. of fitness center space to the HPER Building.
Updates to the space will be:
- 13,000 sq. ft. increase of fitness center space
- Brand new turf functional training areas
- Additional, updated fitness equipment
- New and improved multi-purpose spaces
- Functional and modernized locker rooms
Funding & Student Involvement
The total cost of the HPER Building renovation is $24 million. Funding comes from general obligation bonds supported by the existing facilities fees. U of A students helped lead the discussion of needing an updated campus recreation hub to accommodate the increasing student population and were successful in their efforts. The Board of Trustees approved the project in November 2023.
Throughout the planning process, feedback was gathered from student employees and several student leaders from the Associated Student Government and the Graduate Professional Student Congress. Two students were selected to serve on the renovation planning committee to provide input and feedback throughout the entire process.
“I was asked to serve on the renovation committee so being able to provide some student perspective has been an awesome experience. We all know that the HPER Building, in its current footprint, is too small for our student population size so this renovation is truly going to be a game changer for the University,” said Melania Taylor.
All University Recreation programming and offerings will be available during construction. UREC’s auxiliary facilities (UREC Fitness Center in the Arkansas Union, UREC Sports Complex, UREC Tennis Center and the Tsa La Gi Bike Park) will be open and operating under normal business hours during the renovation. The swimming pool in the HPER building will also be open and operating during the renovation.
“This will be an impactful improvement for our students and the university community. University Recreation is committed to the health and wellness of our campus, and it shows in this renovation. We are very thankful to the students who led the efforts to fund this project and are now able to see it come to fruition. As we embark upon these upgrades, we continue to focus on the ability to better serve the student body at the University of Arkansas,” said Kristin DeAngelo, interim executive director of University Recreation.
Have a question? Please submit your question using this form, and a staff member will get back to you as soon as possible.
To keep up with the updates, visit the HPER renovation webpage or follow us on Instagram @urecarkansas.
