Ashland University Recreation Center operates as a comprehensive fitness and recreation facility at 1000 King Road in Ashland, Ohio, serving the university community with diverse amenities and programming. Despite the relatively small size of Ashland University, the recreation center provides extensive facilities including aquatic areas, fitness equipment, courts, and specialized spaces that accommodate all members effectively.
The Natatorium, located on the lower level of the recreation center, serves as home to the intercollegiate Women’s and Men’s Swimming and Diving Teams. When teams are not practicing or hosting swim meets, the pool remains open for general use by all facility members.
The natatorium features a 25-yard pool with eight swimming lanes and visible pace clocks for lap swimming training. A diving well equipped with one-meter and three-meter diving boards provides specialized diving opportunities for both recreational and competitive use.
A hot tub accommodates up to 18 people, providing relaxation and recovery options for swimmers and general facility users. A sauna that comfortably seats seven people offers additional wellness amenities within the aquatic area.
An Athletic Training Facility includes a hydrotherapy pool specifically designed for rehabilitation purposes, supporting injury recovery and therapeutic activities.
The recreation center houses a 24-foot climbing wall and a 12-foot bouldering wall, providing vertical challenge opportunities for climbers of different skill levels. However, the facility acknowledges that it does not consider itself expert-level for competitive climbing instruction.
Climbing and bouldering walls operate on limited schedules, currently available only on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays during specific hours. The facility’s recreation-focused mentality provides opportunities for students and members to safely climb or boulder for enjoyment, community building, or trying new activities.
The 5,000-square-foot fitness center includes comprehensive cardio and weight training areas. Cardio equipment consists of 31 units including AMT machines, Arc-Trainers, bicycles, elliptical machines, rowers, stairmills, and treadmills.
Weight training facilities feature 16 selectorized weight training systems and 12 free weight stations. The weight room includes kettlebells, battle ropes, resistance bands, dumbbells, and slam balls, providing diverse strength training options.
Eight televisions with Broadcast Vision are positioned throughout the weight room to enhance the workout experience.
The aerobics room houses Group X classes and includes specialized equipment such as a barre, mirrors, stereo system, computer, and TV/DVD player. Fitness equipment includes mats, Swiss balls, free weights, steps, weighted bars, chin-up bar, kettlebells, punching bag, battling ropes, and pace clocks.
Two basketball courts accommodate both basketball and volleyball activities, supporting both recreational play and organized team sports. Court facilities serve multiple sports needs through versatile floor configurations.
One multipurpose activity court provides flexible space for tennis, volleyball, badminton, floor hockey, soccer, or basketball. This versatility allows the facility to accommodate various sports and activities within limited space.
Two racquetball courts also accommodate wallyball activities, providing enclosed court sports options for members seeking alternative recreational activities.
The game room features two table tennis tables, three billiards tables, and two HD televisions with Wii gaming systems. These amenities provide casual recreational opportunities beyond traditional fitness activities.
A dedicated relaxation room offers a peaceful environment for meditation and stress relief, including meditation cushions, wellness resources, and a massage chair for member relaxation.
A three-lane, 1/9-mile jogging track overlooks the gymnasium area and includes accompanying stretching areas, free weights, and additional cardio machines. The elevated track provides alternative cardio options while allowing users to observe court activities below.
The recreation center provides extensive equipment checkout services at no additional cost, including sports equipment for various activities. Available equipment includes basketballs, soccer balls, volleyballs, tennis equipment, racquetball gear, swimming accessories, and recreational games.
Specialized equipment includes bike helmets and locks, board games, bocce, cornhole, and various pool accessories such as kickboards, swim noodles, and goggles.
The lobby houses a customer service desk, smoothie bar, and two massage chairs, creating a welcoming entry environment for facility users. Staff receive training focused on customer service excellence and member assistance.
Multiple locker room facilities serve different user groups, including faculty and staff locker rooms, general locker rooms, and visitor and family changing areas with accommodations for various needs.
The recreation center houses academic departments including the Department of Health Sciences and Sport Management and the Department of Recreation and Wellness. An Exercise Physiology Lab provides educational and research opportunities for students.
Faculty offices and classrooms within the facility create integration between recreational services and academic programming, supporting the university’s educational mission.
While primarily serving Ashland University students, faculty, and staff, the facility offers community memberships with three different time periods coinciding with the academic year. The facility does not provide single or day-use memberships, focusing instead on longer-term community engagement.
External organizations and schools can arrange facility use for events and activities, though the facility was not originally designed to accommodate large numbers of spectators for major events.
Community feedback consistently highlights the facility’s cleanliness and well-maintained condition. Visitors regularly note the clean bathrooms, well-lit spaces, and overall facility upkeep that creates positive user experiences.
Equipment quality receives mixed reviews, with some users noting that while equipment may not always be the newest, it remains functional and poses no safety concerns.
The facility’s size relative to the university population generally accommodates all members effectively, though some areas can become crowded during peak usage periods. The limited aerobics room space occasionally creates scheduling conflicts when classes are in session and other activities are desired.
Despite space limitations, the facility provides diverse amenities that offer something for different recreational interests and fitness goals within the university community.
