Across higher education, recreation and athletics are being redefined, embracing a broader vision of total wellness, where fitness, mental health, social connection and inclusivity intersect. As a result, institutions are investing in transforming these spaces by reimagining outdated gyms and athletic centers into multi-purpose wellness hubs that serve the whole student, not just the athlete. At Rockford, we’ve been at the forefront of this shift, helping institutions reimagine what total wellness means for their student bodies.
More than just a design trend, these renovations are a response to how we perceive health. Wellness is no longer about the physical alone, but rather, students are seeking a balance between physical and mental health — strength training alongside mindfulness, dedicated nutrition amenities to support performance and recovery, hydrotherapy and wellness workshops for healing and environments that foster belonging as much as physical performance. Institutions are also recognizing the link between wellness and academics, with an emphasis on supporting student success and improved graduation rates. As we see a growing number of institutions invest in these holistic spaces, they are positioning themselves for the future, one where they attract and retain students, strengthen campus culture and support long-term success of all students.
The New Standard: Total Wellness
Modern campus wellness centers are modernizing beyond treadmills and weight racks. Additions of quiet meditation rooms, sensory-friendly areas, specialized nutrition counseling and tailored dining options and flexible spaces for everything from yoga to esports acknowledge a shift in what and how we view athletics and recreation. Similarly, outdoor fitness trails, turf fields and social hubs are no longer exclusive to athletes, but welcome students of all backgrounds, interests and abilities. Multi-functional recreational spaces are also evolving to be more adaptive, incorporating large open areas for strength training, functional fitness and self-directed workouts.
The standards of recreation spaces are also being reshaped by inclusivity, with renovations not only becoming more inclusive, but emphasizing accessibility, adaptive equipment, gender-neutral restrooms and culturally relevant programming. This shift reflects a growing priority to create spaces that truly welcome and support all students, regardless of ability, background or interest. These spaces are reimagined to serve the entire student body, from competitive athletes to casual participants, reflecting the diverse needs of today’s student body.
Supporting the Whole Student-Athlete
Rethinking facilities through the lens of long-term student success, athletic departments and higher institutions are investing in both programming and equipment that not only support physical health, but mental health as well. This redefinition of wellness is especially critical for student athletes, with colleges and universities now recognize that long-term success means supporting the whole person — on the field, in the classroom and beyond. From specialized nutrition programs to wellness workshops and recovery zones, these resources help student-athletes perform at their best while also building the foundation for academic achievement and personal growth.
Rockford’s Expertise in Building Wellness
With more than $460 million in athletic projects completed, including 20 athletic fields, 21 weight rooms, 26 locker rooms and 26 gymnasiums, we bring unmatched expertise to wellness-centered projects, and we’ve seen firsthand how these spaces can transform campus life. Our teams know that quality, safety and adaptability are non-negotiable. These spaces not only meet NCAA standards, but they also create environments that boost recruitment and retention while caring for the total person.
Our approach is holistic: optimizing indoor environmental quality, designing for universal accessibility and creating spaces that encourage both movement and rest. We incorporate recovery-focused design, adaptive-use recreational areas and student-forward solutions that support both athletic performance and overall student health. We build for today’s needs while ensuring adaptability for the future, so these facilities remain assets to campuses for decades to come.
Building More Than Facilities
An investment in total wellness is an investment in student resilience, belonging and overall success. Rockford regularly partners with institutions to bring this vision to life, constructing athletic and wellness spaces that go beyond function to shape healthier, more connected campus communities.
Wellness is now central to the student experience. And with Rockford’s expertise, campuses are redefining what it means to thrive.
