Ray Meyer Fitness and Recreation Center
- Location: Chicago, IL
- Opened: September 1999
- Term: 1998–Present
- Size: 123,000 SF
- Cost: $14.3 M
CENTERS at DePaul University
Overview
DePaul University is CENTERS’ first site. After CENTERS’ parent firm, Brailsford & Dunlavey, conducted planning work at DePaul to assess campus recreation needs, CENTERS was created to provide comprehensive operational solutions for DePaul. The $14 million Ray Meyer Fitness and Recreation Center opened in September 1999 and had a transformational impact on the Lincoln Park campus. The facility was recognized for its excellence — receiving a Facility of Merit award from Athletic Business magazine and the Outstanding Sports Facility Award from NIRSA. CENTERS is well-regarded on campus for its student development model, high-quality customer service, and contributions to DePaul’s mission. In addition, the membership program helps strengthen the university’s ties with the neighborhood while generating substantial revenue support for operating the facility. CENTERS has continually repurposed spaces and evolved programming to best serve the needs of DePaul by expanding the men’s locker room, adding an additional studio, changing the track infields into functional fitness spaces, as well as adding Outdoor Adventures, Wellness Programs, and Team Challenge.
Facility Facts
- 123,000 GSF
- 4-Court Gymnasium
- 4-Lane Suspended Indoor Jogging Track
- 13,000+ SF of Strength & Conditioning Space
- 5 Group Fitness Studios
- 6-Lane Indoor Pool
- 3 Racquetball Courts
- Wellness Suite
- 2 Multipurpose Rooms
- Locker Rooms
- Private Changing Room
- Juice Bar
- Pro Shop
- Massage Therapy Suite
- Physical Therapy Suite
Scott Vandermoon, Director
Serving as the Director at DePaul University, Mr. Vandermoon oversees the Ray Meyer Fitness & Recreation Center and is responsible for providing leadership to campus recreation staff, facility operations, programs, services, and departmental strategic planning. Mr. Vandermoon joined the CENTERS team in 2008 and has held several positions at DePaul University including Associate, Senior Assistant, and Assistant Director. Before joining CENTERS, Mr. Vandermoon worked at the University of Illinois at Chicago for 2 years as the Coordinator of Intramural Sports & Sport Clubs. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Augustana College (IL) and a Master’s degree from Western Illinois University. Vandermoon has served within a variety of leadership opportunities within NIRSA including: Region III Regional Representative, IIRSA State Director, Region III Student Lead On Host Site Coordinator, and Chair of the William N. Wasson Student Leadership & Academic Awards committee.
