Johnson Center operates as a state-of-the-art recreation facility at the University of Kentucky designed to provide opportunities for open recreation, group fitness classes, and personal training. Located at 430 Complex Drive, the facility features an open concept design that supports diverse recreational and fitness activities for university community members.
The center maintains extensive operating hours with Monday through Friday from 6:00 am to 12:00 am, Saturday from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, and Sunday from 11:00 am to 12:00 am. Holiday adjustments include modified hours during Labor Day Weekend with August 30th operating from 5-9 pm and September 1st opening at 9 am.
Johnson Center operates as a state-of-the-art recreation facility at the University of Kentucky designed to provide opportunities for open recreation, group fitness classes, and personal training. Located at 430 Complex Drive, the facility features an open concept design that supports diverse recreational and fitness activities for university community members.
The center maintains extensive operating hours with Monday through Friday from 6:00 am to 12:00 am, Saturday from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, and Sunday from 11:00 am to 12:00 am. Holiday adjustments include modified hours during Labor Day Weekend with August 30th operating from 5-9 pm and September 1st opening at 9 am.
Johnson Center houses comprehensive weight training equipment including Olympic platforms, plate-loaded equipment, barbells, and dumbbells that accommodate various strength training needs. Power racks provide dedicated space for serious weightlifting while ensuring safety during heavy lifting exercises.
Cardio training equipment is available throughout the facility to support cardiovascular fitness goals. The open concept design allows members to move freely between different exercise areas while maintaining visibility and accessibility across the entire fitness floor.
Equipment checkout services provide weight belts, barbell pads, elastic weight bands, and jump ropes for members to use during their workout sessions. All equipment must be returned the same day to the control desk before facility closure.
The facility includes basketball courts that accommodate recreational play and organized activities. Indoor and outdoor basketballs are available for checkout, allowing members to engage in basketball activities without bringing personal equipment.
Group fitness studios provide dedicated space for instructor-led classes and personal training sessions. These specialized areas offer appropriate environments for various fitness programming while maintaining separation from general workout areas.
A cycling studio supports specialized spin classes and cycling-focused fitness programming. This dedicated space provides proper ventilation and equipment specifically designed for indoor cycling activities.
A four-lane running track provides cardiovascular exercise opportunities for members seeking indoor running and walking activities. The track design accommodates multiple users simultaneously while maintaining appropriate spacing for different exercise paces.
The climbing wall offers vertical challenge opportunities for members interested in rock climbing activities. This feature provides alternative exercise options beyond traditional cardio and strength training equipment.
Both facilities contribute to the center’s comprehensive approach to fitness by offering specialized activities that appeal to diverse recreational interests and fitness goals.
Current University of Kentucky students enrolled in regular, on-campus classes may use Campus Recreation facilities by presenting their student ID card. Students enrolled in the current semester who do not pay the Recreation Fee as part of tuition fees are eligible to purchase memberships.
Current UK employees, retirees, Donovan Scholars, and VA employees are eligible to purchase Campus Recreation memberships. Non-UK affiliates including employees who work on campus but are not paid by the University of Kentucky may access membership with proof of affiliation.
Spouses and domestic partners of current Campus Recreation members are eligible for sponsorship at the same rate as the sponsoring member. Proof requirements include official mail with both names and addresses, photo ID showing the same address, or marriage certificate or affidavit of domestic partnership.
Johnson Center provides towel service for member convenience during workout sessions. Day-use lockers are located throughout the facility and available for members and guests at no additional charge on a first-come, first-serve basis.
All items in day-use lockers must be removed at the end of each day, as lockers are cleaned out nightly. Items left overnight are placed in lost-and-found, and Campus Recreation is not responsible for items left in day-use lockers overnight.
Shower facilities and locker rooms support member hygiene and changing needs. These amenities ensure members can maintain cleanliness and comfort before and after exercise activities.
Equipment checkout services include racquetball racquets and balls, badminton racquets and shuttlecocks, tennis racquets and balls, and various sports balls including wallyballs, volleyballs, footballs, and soccer balls. Frisbees are also available for recreational activities.
Bicycle locks and pumps support cyclists who use campus transportation. Hair dryers are available in locker room areas for member convenience after showering or swimming activities.
Equipment can be checked out at the control desk once members have accessed the facility. All equipment must be returned the same day before facility closure to ensure availability for other members.
Semester priority times designate specific periods for particular activities. Volleyball has priority on Saturdays from 3 pm to 9 pm and Sundays from 11:30 am to 2 pm during regular semester operations.
Badminton and pickleball activities have priority times on Saturdays from 9:30 am to 3 pm and Sundays from 2 pm to 4:30 pm. Summer and holiday priority times operate on modified schedules with reduced hours.
Summer volleyball priority occurs on Saturdays from 12 pm to 4 pm, while summer badminton and pickleball priority is scheduled for Sundays from 12 pm to 4 pm. These priority times ensure organized activities have dedicated court access.
Guest passes are available for visitors, allowing temporary access to facility amenities. This service enables members to share the recreation center experience with friends and family members who are not eligible for regular membership.
Campus Recreation memberships provide access to multiple facilities including Alumni Gym and Lancaster Aquatic Center in addition to Johnson Center. This comprehensive access ensures members can utilize various recreational resources across the university system.
Overnight equipment reservations accommodate extended programming needs. Contact information includes phone service at 859-257-3928 for Johnson Center inquiries and email support at ukcrmembershipservices@uky.edu for membership services and non-UK affiliate verification.
