UCF gym exercises expansion with new facility plans

Big plans are underway for UCF’s Recreation and Wellness Center as it is scheduled to expand with a new facility making its debut at Knights Plaza.

RWC at Knights Plaza, as it is named, is scheduled to open in the fall of 2012.

The development of the new facility comes at a time when UCF boasts the title of the second largest university in the country, and the expansion is a move to help keep up with the ever-increasing enrollment of students.

“We are thrilled to be able to expand opportunities for the students to engage in healthy lifestyles,” RWC Director James Wilkening said.

The new facility will feature strength training and cardio equipment along with a mind and body studio for group exercises such as yoga.

“Our goal is to have a sort of calmer and less intimidating fitness facility,” RWC Marketing Coordinator Scott Mauro said. “We are realizing that many students are working out for the first time when they come to UCF and the main center can be somewhat intimidating, so this is the perfect opportunity to make students comfortable with the idea of working out.”

In addition to offering a more relaxing atmosphere for the health-conscious student, it is also more convenient for students living in Towers at Knights Plaza near the UCF Arena, as it provides them with another choice at the main UCF campus.

The 8,700 square foot facility will be taking over three retail spots at the corner of West Plaza drive and Gemini Boulevard.

“I think it’s great that UCF is expanding their wellness department because there is a growing demand for it, the gym’s always packed,” hospitality junior Hannah Morton said. “The more facilities that are available, the more students will get involved.”

UCF’s Student Government Association is funding RWC at Knights Plaza as part of a new 10-year contract signed by Matthew McCann, former SGA president, and Wilkening.

“Everything that we do is funded by the SGA,” Mauro said.

Although the SGA and RWC leadership along with the Convocation Corporation, which is in charge of leasing the retail space at Knights Plaza, have together spearheaded the expansion, much of the influence in coming up with the name for Knights Plaza came from a committee of 10 students and two RWC staff members.

“We’ve been working together for two months,” Mauro said. “Along with assistant director of fitness Kim Halliday, the committee is a group of 12 people with students who’ve had a ton of influence in building this. They’ll have roles in helping plan events when the expansion happens.”

The committee will have a hand in planning the grand opening ceremonies and other future decisions.

For those seeking an alternate facility for fitness, RWC at Knights Plaza is scheduled to open in the fall of this year. For more information, contact the RWC at 407-823-2408.