By Cameron Reichenbach / The Jambar
This fall marks 20 years of the Andrew’s Student Recreation and Wellness Center at Youngstown State University, which serves students as a space for fitness, community and stress relief.
The Rec Center will officially celebrate its 20th anniversary from 2-6 p.m. today, which offers fitness events and festivities for students, members, faculty and staff.
Ryan McNicholas, associate director of the Rec Center, said that the center has always aimed to be a place where students can find balance.
“Most of our student groups are involved in some way, shape or form,” McNicholas said. “We really hope to be that linchpin for students by providing a space for stress management, relaxation or to build a healthy community.”
As the Rec Center celebrates two decades, McNicholas said he’s already thinking about its future, as the center continues to meet students’ needs.
“I’d like to see an evolution — whatever the students need, we’re meeting that. Whether it’s five, 10, or 20 years down the road, we want to deliver on those intentions,” McNicholas said.
He also noted that staying flexible and evolving with students is key.
“We’re always meeting to talk about the present moment, but what we need to do is to be better for the students,” McNicholas said.
As the Rec Center moves forward, several improvements are already in the works. McNicholas said the center plans to enhance existing facilities, particularly the meditation studio and e-gaming space.
“We’re looking at it from multiple angles — budget, engagement and making sure whatever we do, students will appreciate, utilize and really want to be a part of it,” McNicholas said.
While there are no immediate plans for major changes to the Rec, McNicholas said that the department always looks for ways to improve.
”We’re constantly looking at how we can make the Rec better for students,” McNicholas said.