University News

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.

New lobby to the O'Pake Fitness and Recreation Center, featuring a student lounge space.

Written by: Kevin Gfeller, BS ’20

Published: September 12, 2024

Total reading time: 2 minutes

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.

Lanie Smith, BS ’25, cutting a ribbon to officially welcome the campus community to the newly renovated O’Pake Fitness and Recreation Center.
Lanie Smith, BS ’25, cutting a ribbon to officially welcome the campus community to the newly renovated O’Pake Fitness and Recreation Center.
New lobby entrance to the O'Pake Fitness and Recreation Center.
New lobby entrance to the O'Pake Fitness and Recreation Center.
Updated building facade with improved access to the main lobby doors from the exterior and new concrete ADA-accessible ramp.
Updated building facade with improved access to the main lobby doors from the exterior and new concrete ADA-accessible ramp.
New Sport Court allows for additional natural light during the daytime. The space features a dividing curtain for club sports, intramurals, larger group fitness classes, net nights, recreational play and more.
New Sport Court with new exterior glass wall allows for additional natural light during the daytime. The space features a dividing curtain for club sports, intramurals, larger group fitness classes, net nights, recreational play and more.
Updated pool and pool mechanical systems, resulting in 90% less filtration water demand and 50% less filtration energy demand.
Updated pool with new exterior glass wall allows for additional natural light during the daytime. New pool mechanical systems result in 90% less filtration water demand and 50% less filtration energy demand.
New fitness center’s open-concept floor plan allows for better visibility.
New fitness center’s open-concept floor plan allows for better visibility from the corridor and to other new fitness spaces.
Brand-new 1,830 square-foot Cardio Mezzanine overlooking the Sport Court.
Brand-new 1,830 square-foot Cardio Mezzanine overlooking the Sport Court.
New functional training area built for group fitness classes, holistic wellness programming and student activities.
New functional training area built for group fitness classes, holistic wellness programming and student activities.
New fitness studio featuring full-length mirrors.
New fitness studio featuring full-length mirrors.

For more information about Campus Recreation at Saint Joseph’s University, including facility hours, visit https://www.sju.edu/athletics/campus-recreation.