Health, Fitness & Recreation Center ("FitRec")
- Location: Palos Hills, IL
- Opened: Spring 2014
- Term: 2013–Present
- Size: 113,000 SF
- Cost: $34 M
CENTERS at Moraine Valley Community College
Overview
The $34 million FitRec opened in 2014 to support the college’s athletic program, physical education department, and campus recreation department. MVCC retained CENTERS to manage the entire facility and develop a new Department of Campus Recreation. To keep the center’s student and employee user fees as reasonable as possible, MVCC opted to supplement student activity fee revenue with a robust community membership program that would support a significant portion of the building’s debt. The membership program has created strong linkages between the college and the community with over 5,000 community members and a comprehensive KidRec program that support family membership year-round. In addition, a student development model was enacted to provide transferable skills and to develop experiences to help better prepare students for their next job. CENTERS also expanded the college’s annual 5k event increasing participation by 1,000% and it now provides thousands of dollars in scholarship funds for current students. This blend of community, students, and faculty/staff has truly been a win/win for the college.
Facility Facts
- 113,000 GSF
- 3-Court gymnasium
- Indoor track
- 10,000 SF Weight and Fitness
- 4 Group Fitness studios
- 4-lane indoor pool with whirlpool
- 9,000 SF KidRec
- Private consultation, assessment, and personal training room
- Massage Therapy Suite
- Rush Physical Therapy Suite
- Locker rooms
- Family Locker Room
- Steam Rooms
- Cafe
- Pro Shop
Alex Rich, Director
Serving as the Director at MVCC, Mr. Rich oversees the Health, Fitness & Recreation Center and is responsible for providing leadership to campus recreation staff, facility operations, programs, services, and departmental strategic planning. Mr. Rich has held several positions at MVCC including Associate, Senior Assistant, and Assistant Director. Mr. Rich first joined the CENTERS team in May 2015 as the Assistant Director of Facilities at the University of Missouri – St. Louis. In December 2016, he transferred to MVCC to hold the same position. Before joining CENTERS, Mr. Rich worked at the University of Arkansas for 4.5 years as an Assistant Director of Facilities and Facility Coordinator. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Indiana University – Bloomington and a Master’s degree from Xavier University (OH). He holds many certifications including American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor, National Swimming Pool Foundation CPO, Matrix Service Technician, and Woodway Technician. Additionally, he regularly serves on CENTERS and MVCC committees
