As many of you have noticed, construction has become a familiar sight across campus. For Campus Recreation, there have been two ongoing fitness- and wellness-based renovation projects on Princeton’s campus: Class of 1986 Fitness & Wellness Center and Meadows Campus Fitness Center, since May 2022.

What does this mean? It’s time to reimagine recreation! By providing enhanced and newly renovated spaces, we aim to elevate the recreation experience for every member of the Princeton community as a testament to our commitment to well-being, inclusivity, and fostering community on campus.

After 18 months, we are excited to announce that the unveiling of Phase One is expected by the end of January 2024.

Key Features of the Overall Renovation Projects:

Class of 1986 Fitness & Wellness Center

• Newly renovated central fitness area
• Construction of a 2-story addition (additional fitness space and 2 new group fitness rooms)
• New accessible entrance & lobby
• New elevator to access all levels from the Main Gym Floor to the Rec Pool
• Addition of “Power Studio” (powerlifting and Olympic lifting equipment)
• Upgrades to the Cycle Studio
• Resurfaced outdoor recreational court

Meadows Neighborhood: Racquet and Recreation Center

• New extensive fitness center
• Gender-inclusive shower/restrooms and lockers
• Group fitness room within the facility
• Location adjacent to the new parking garage and graduate housing
• Within the same building as new tennis/squash courts

Key Milestones for Phase One:

December 23, 2023: 

The Stephens Fitness Center will temporarily close for renovation until further notice, to begin the next phases of the project.

January 3, 2024: 

Dillon Gym will reopen and be operational during the closure/renovation period of the Stephens Fitness Center, offering the following spaces during adjusted hours: Main Gym Floor (courts), Group Fitness Room, Multipurpose Room, Cycle Studio, and A-Level Locker Rooms/Gender Inclusive Restrooms.

View full timeline & January Operations (Updated 12/20/24)

January 29, 2024: 

Phase One of Reimagining Recreation will unveil, featuring the central fitness area of the Class of 1986 Fitness & Wellness Center and the reopening of the Rec Pool. These spaces can be accessed through the current Dillon Gym entrance.

Stay Connected

We're thrilled to be on this journey with you as we reimagine recreation at Princeton University. Stay tuned for more updates and announcements on our platforms as we work together to create a campus environment that fosters well-being and community.

Get More Insight

Attend an upcoming Health & Wellness Speaker Series session, “The Future of Fitness and Wellness on the Princeton Campus: Update on Renovation Projects” (Thursday, 12/7 from 1pm - 2pm over Zoom) led by Associate Director of Campus Recreation, Dan Bennett. During this session, you can expect highlights of what's included in each project and information on when you can expect to have access to these new and exciting spaces for Campus Recreation! Registration is required and open to Princeton University students, faculty and staff.

We appreciate your patience and understanding during the renovation period and look forward to welcoming you to Phase One in January 2024.