Fairfield University Celebrates Opening of Renovated Recreation Complex

FAIRFIELD, CT — A grand-opening ceremony celebrating the completion of Fairfield University’s renovated Leslie C. Quick, Jr. Recreation Complex — the RecPlex—was held at the entrance of the new facility on Friday, Sept. 2.

The official opening event introduced the new 40,000 square foot, three-level, state-of-the art facility and will kick off with the Friends of Athletics' inaugural Dunk Tank Challenge. Varsity coaches representing women’s basketball, men’s lacrosse, women’s soccer and other sports, faced an icy dunk tank in support of Fairfield Athletics.

The University community was treated to an official door busting, golden ticket challenge, and refreshments. Fairfield Fit offered three classes to the University community: Strong (by Zumba), Spin and Zumba.

The new and renovated RecPlex includes a spacious and light-filled entryway, modern seating areas, strength training suites with state-of-the-art equipment and an upgraded Birkenstock Field House with interchangeable basketball, tennis and volleyball courts. Additionally available are cardio training suites, an elevated indoor track, racquetball court, improved infrastructure on the twenty-five-meter pool, renovated locker rooms and new group fitness areas for yoga, spin, pilates and more.

Read more from the press release below:

“RecPlex members can look forward to working out on brand new cardio equipment and selectorized (strength building) machines, in addition to an increase in group training classes throughout the day,” said Karen Donoghue, associate vice president for Student Affairs and dean of Students, who has been a part of the RecPlex renovation planning.

Funding for the RecPlex project has come primarily from alumni, parents and friends of the institution. Generous gifts including a challenge gift of $10 million from University Trustee John C. Meditz '70, $5 million from an anonymous donor and another $1 million from Mark Beckwith '80 and family, and several additional gifts, helped to jump-start the RecPlex renovation.

As a Jesuit university, Fairfield values the notion of cura personalis, often translated as “care of the whole person,” inspired by the unique qualities of dialogue and reflection that are characteristic of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola.

Health and wellness programs offered at the newly renovated RecPlex will promote and foster fitness, physical health and emotional well being, while assisting members of the University community in realizing their potential through care of their body, mind and spirit.

For more information visit here.

Image via Fairfield University