O’Pake Fitness and Recreation Center Reopens with State-of-the-Art Facilities, Showcasing the University’s Commitment to Whole-Person Development
The renovated 72,000-square-foot facility offers students enhanced fitness spaces, creating a more inclusive and accessible environment.
On Aug. 29, Saint Joseph’s University celebrated the grand opening of the newly renovated O’Pake Fitness and Recreation Center. The 72,000-square-foot facility, a key component of the University’s campus master plan, has been transformed into a state-of-the-art space that promotes student wellness and community engagement.
The revitalized center features modern fitness equipment, a brand-new cardio mezzanine, a fitness studio and more, offering an inclusive environment to support students’ fitness and wellness goals. The redesigned, ADA-compliant entrance enhances accessibility for the entire campus community, including the addition of two new elevators.
The grand opening was marked by a full day of festivities, beginning with morning yoga sessions and followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Cheryl A. McConnell, PhD, president of Saint Joseph’s.
“To our students, we heard you,” said Dr. McConnell. “You wanted more spaces to engage in total body wellness. This is that space. We are a University with an abiding commitment to whole-person education and development. The O’Pake Fitness and Recreation Center helps us deliver on this promise.”
After the ceremony, students participated in a scavenger hunt, fitness bootcamp and a three-on-three basketball tournament.
For more information about Campus Recreation at Saint Joseph’s University, including facility hours, visit https://www.sju.edu/athletics/campus-recreation.
