January 08, 2019

Explore SIU’s Student Recreation Center for free during Jan. 13 Community Day

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Ever wondered what all can be found at Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Student Recreation Center? Here’s your chance to find out.

The center is sponsoring its second annual Community Day on Sunday and everyone is welcome to take advantage of free admission from 1 to 7 p.m.

Parking is free as well.

Special activities planned

A wide variety of activities are planned throughout the afternoon and evening, giving community members, faculty and staff the opportunity to explore the Rec Center and some of its programs. They include:

  • 2-5 p.m. – Swimming in Shea Natatorium’s Olympic-size pool.
  • 2-3 p.m. – Yoga, in the group fitness studio.
  • 2-4 p.m. – The chance to check out one of the fastest growing sport sensations during the pickleball Members of the Southeast Missouri Pickleball Club/Association will be on hand in the west gymnasium to demonstrate the fun sport and give visitors a chance to try it.
  • 3-6 p.m. – Scaling the climbing wall.

Explore the options

In addition, visitors are welcome to tour the facilities and see for themselves all of the amenities. It’s also a great chance to learn about the various classes and programs offered. Just check in at the tour table for details.

Discount memberships

Anyone who isn’t currently a Student Recreation Center member can purchase an annual membership at a 25 percent discount that day. The promotion is only available for those who aren’t already members and must include payment in full; the discount is not available to those who pay in installments or through a payroll deduction.

But, if you’re pondering becoming a member and not ready to commit that day, you can still grab a voucher at the event that entitles you to a 10 percent discount on an annual membership if purchased by Jan. 31.

Countless options offered

The center boasts a wide variety of classes, events and facilities. In addition to the pool and climbing wall, there are two indoor walking/jogging tracks along with fitness and cardio equipment, three weight rooms, and basketball, volleyball, racquetball and squash courts.

A diverse selection of free fitness classes can be found there throughout the year and for nominal frees, you can also take advantage of yoga on the water, youth climbing lessons, kickboxing, Thai boxing, youth or adult swim lessons, salsa dance lessons and much more. There are also general physical preparedness classes and special events such as the Indoor Ironman and the Rocky Ledges 5K/10K.

Intramural sports

And that’s not all.  SIU students and Student Recreation Center members can participate in basketball, volleyball, racquetball, water polo, tennis, futsal and so much more through the SIU Competitive Sports Office, which offers nearly 20 leagues, tournaments and contests.

Outdoor possibilities too

Recreational Sports and Services also offers seasonal outdoor activities and rentals. In warmer weather, members and students can take a spin around Campus Lake in a paddle boat, canoe or kayak on weekends at no cost. Community members pay $5. A wide variety of camping, watercraft and other outdoor equipment can be rented as well.

To learn more

For more information about the Student Recreation Center, come to Community Day 2019 or: