New UI rec center set to open in the fall

The nearly 200 pieces of exercise equipment have yet to be hauled in, the leisure and competition pools remain unfilled and the three-story climbing wall is covered in construction dust.

But Donna Sorensen is sold.

“I'm really glad they made that decision to open it to the public,” Sorensen said of the new University of Iowa Campus Recreation and Wellness Center. “I'll buy a membership for sure.”

Sorensen, a UI College of Law alum from Iowa City, and other members of the UI Presidential Committee on Athletics, toured the nearly-completed center Monday.

“This is fantastic,” John Lundell, UI staff member and Presidential Committee on Athletics vice chairman, said.

The nearly $70 million project, at 215,000 gross square feet, is at the corner of Burlington and Madison streets.

UI officials hope to take possession of the building in July, with a “soft opening” Aug. 2, Wayne Fett, senior associate director with UI Recreational Services, said. That way, they plan to make the first three weeks open to anyone, without membership fees, so people can check out the center, he said. The fees will kick in Aug. 16 under that scenario, he said.

“It will be very enticing,” he said.

All but about $9 million of the building cost comes from student fees, so students have automatic access as part of tuition and fees. UI faculty and staff pay $300 a year - half of that covered by UI Wellness - for access, and the general public can pay $360 a year. Members will have access to all UI recreation facilities.

There will be more than 180 pieces of fitness equipment - 72 treadmills alone. Add in a one-ninth mile track, three gyms, a 52.5-foot rock climbing wall and a 5,000-square-foot leisure pool with a lazy river, waterfall and 30-person spa tub that has a view of the big screen, an area that can be rented for parties.

Along with the leisure pool, there's a 2,200-seat natatorium with 50-meter stretch pool to host high school, college and U.S. Swimming events. There's also an Olympic dive pool with platforms at 1, 3, 5, 7.5 and 10 meters.

“Every time I've shown this to a group of students they just can't wait to get in here,” Fett said.