Since opening in 1996, more than 12 million individuals have walked through the doors of the Patti and Allan Herbert Wellness Center, with approximately 2,100 people visiting the center each day. Upon celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2016, the Herbert Wellness Center has undergone numerous facility improvements to enhance the operational efficiency, safety and overall member experience of the facility.
To that end, the intramural fields located behind the facility are getting their turn at a transformative upgrade in the coming months. New irrigation lines and an improved drainage system will eliminate the collection of water and allow for uninterrupted use of the field year-round. The project will also replace the current field lights with LED lights, cutting the Herbert Wellness Center’s total energy usage by up to 50 percent.
"The Herbert Wellness Center’s commitment to excellence is what keeps the facility constantly evolving and improving to better serve all current and future members," said Scott Levin, executive director of wellness and recreation. "These field upgrades will enhance the experience for club sports competitions, intramural sports games, Greek life events, and overall usage."
With site work already underway, the fields are now closed and will remain so until the project's expected completion in early September of this year - just in time for the fall IM season. Parking & Transportation will communicate to the campus community any impact that this project will have on permit holders as well as the general flow of campus traffic along San Amaro Drive.
Other Upgrades to the Herbert Wellness Center
In addition to the field project currently underway, the Herbert Wellness Center has already redesigned its front desk area and renovated the William A. Butler Atrium with more modern furniture and new flooring. The upgraded multi-purpose rooms and cycling studio now feature a modern integrated sound system. Passersby will also notice the facility’s new exterior stucco and paint that matches the University’s color scheme of orange, gray and white.
The facility has also added several health-conscious upgrades including new restroom fixtures with hands-free units and a new pool HVAC unit, which drastically improves the air quality of the indoor aquatic center. In partnership with UM Dining, the Courtside Eatery was transformed into FitBerry. This quick service retail spot offers a new and improved menu complete with smoothies, healthy snacks, açai bowls
Along with the new student housing projects, the Herbert Wellness Center is following the University's goal of transforming the student experience and accommodating the needs of the next generation of faculty and students. With all of the exciting new developments, it will be a great time to live, work and play at UM.
