Recreation Center, RecWell, gender-neutral bathrooms, disabilities
September 16, 2024
University Recreation and Well-Being (Rec Well) has opened new restroom and changing facilities offering a variety of convenient and helpful amenities.
RecWell Director Greg Jordan said the improvements represent important change. “We placed a high value and priority to design and fund inclusive spaces that will provide a comfortable environment for all of our students and members," he explained.
Additionally, each stall includes a mirror, drop-down shelf, bench, utility hooks and a door lock that indicates if the space is in use.
The main level of the Recreation Center now houses a gender neutral restroom complete with seven stalls. Amenties include:
- stall locks that signal when occupied;
- a common hand washing station;
- five private changing stalls that include a toilet;
- a handicapped changing stall that includes a toilet;
- a dry changing stall; and
- a lactation/changing room that includes a sink.
On the lower level, the men's and women's locker rooms offer traditional restrooms and changing spaces open to all who wish to utilize them. A private changing area and a gender neutral shower and bathroom space has been added, and it can more easily accommodate individual, private use or allow caregivers to accompany individuals who need assistance.
Newly renovated lower level restroom space includes:
- a full service, gender-neutral changing room that includes a shower, sink, toilet and door lock that indicates if the space is in use, and
- a dry changing space that includes a bench, mirror, shelf and door lock that indicates if the space is in use.
RecWell leaders stress that participation in recreation and wellness activities can have a profound impact on a student’s collegiate experience – helping to reduce stress, increase self-confidence and build a strong sense of community.
The facility's new spaces will allow them to better serve the campus community, including those who prefer all-gender options and more privacy or those who require disability accommodations.