After months of construction, detours and anticipation, Rec Sports has officially reopened its renovated indoor climbing tower, expanded bouldering wall, fully upgraded locker rooms and newly added dry saunas, marking one of the most significant transformations to the Student Recreation Center since it opened in 1995.

The project, completed Nov. 3, brings modernized facilities and a dramatically expanded climbing experience to one of the Rec’s most heavily used areas.

“We realize we only get one chance to get these things right and make sure these renovations stand the test of time,” said Oscee Wheatfall III, associate director of operations and events, in an October construction update. “I’m really excited for our members to get back into these spaces and hopefully have an elevated experience.”

The new 44-foot, 8-inch indoor climbing tower features 25 roped lanes, including slab, vertical, slight overhang and steep routes, along with refreshed lighting, new belay systems and state-of-the-art Strati padding. 

The bouldering wall, built in place of racquetball courts one and three, adds 95 linear feet of climbable terrain with angles up to 41 degrees.

For many students, the upgrades have already transformed their climbing experience.

“I’ve loved the newly renovated spaces,” Liana Grissom ’29 said. “The new rock climbing centers are honestly one of my favorite parts of the Rec now. They look amazing, have way more routes, and just feel super fun to climb.”

Justin Bishop ’29 said the redesign sparked a new interest in the sport. He is not alone. In the first 18 days after reopening, over 1,000 Rec Sports members and guests visited the climbing tower, and over 800 used the bouldering space.

“The rockwalls have been my favorite part,” he said. “Climbing is an activity that I’m just starting to get into, and so far these new walls have been amazing.”

With the expanded size and updated design, Outdoor Adventures Program Director Todd Grier said that the changes were necessary to keep pace with current trends in the sport.

“Recreation evolves, and so does climbing,” Grier said in October’s substantial completion announcement. “This renovation reflects our commitment to keeping pace with modern interests and giving Aggies a space that inspires and challenges.”

Alongside the climbing upgrades, Rec Sports fully modernized the men’s and women’s locker rooms, adding single-stall showers, expanded grooming areas, higher ceilings, updated lighting and a clean, open layout designed for comfort and convenience. 

“My favorite part of the renovations are the locker rooms,” Nolan Iordanescu ’28 said. “Having the locker rooms is really nice because now I can change before working out.”

The goal of the renovation was to elevate the overall student experience, transforming the Rec from a  place of convenience into a more premium wellness space.

“The new locker rooms [are a] huge upgrade,” Grissom said. “They’re so much cleaner and nicer, and it actually feels good getting ready in there before and after workouts. The renovations made the Rec feel way more modern and exciting, and I’m really happy about it.”

During winter break, dry saunas were added to the locker rooms, further enhancing the experience. 

“I used to go to the sauna back at home,” Abigail Beeson ’28 said. “I think having it here is nice and helpful. I use it after my workouts and it honestly just feels good. I think it helps with water retention and muscle recovery.”

The reopening has drawn both returning members and first-time users eager to explore the expanded offerings.

“It’s been amazing to watch the Rec be renovated, and now to see the students begin enjoying the new spaces and climbing walls,” Emily Franz ’27 said. “Refreshing the spaces and renewing them for another generation of Aggies was a core factor in these renovations. I think that this goal has been met, and the facilities can serve students for many more years to come.”

For Karla Daniela Lopez Lorenzo ’30, who never saw the pre-renovation facility, the new setup exceeded expectations. 

“I was excited when I first visited the climbing wall and my positive experience led me to register for the belaying clinic,” she said. “The first time I tried the tall wall, I loved it. The sets are great and the personnel is really kind.”

Construction spanned several months, from demolition in May, followed by steel and panel installation over the summer and route-setting and finishing touches in October. 

The redesigned spaces were developed in partnership with EP Climbing, the same company behind Olympic climbing walls, and shaped through student input and staff expertise.

Throughout the planning process, Rec Sports leaders emphasized building for long-term use, a priority students say is essential.

“Keeping everything updated helps the Rec match the energy and growth of the campus, and it shows that [they] care about giving students the best possible environment for health, wellness, and community,” Grissom said.

Written by: Claire Frazier