Renovation

Architectural rendering of Dixon's renovated East Entrance.

We are thrilled to announce a series of exciting renovations at Dixon Recreation Center! These updates include extensive improvements to the Indoor Climbing Center, East Entry, and the Racquetball and Squash courts, along with many other enhancements to better serve you.

Dixon’s Indoor Climbing Center and East Entry were closed starting Saturday, March 22, 2025, and are anticipated to reopen in Fall 2025. Check the McAlexander Fieldhouse hours for available climbing options during Dixon's closure.

Stay tuned for more details and updates on these exciting developments!

Architectural rendering of Dixon's Indoor Climbing Center.

Dixon Indoor Climbing Center

Renovation Summary

The renovation of the Dixon Indoor Climbing Center includes:

  • A new, modern climbing surface and new Kilter Board.
  • Redesigned HVAC system to reduce temperature stratification.
  • New air filtration to mitigate chalk dust.
  • Upgraded lighting, including color-changing LED theater lights.
  • Redesigned front desk and arrival area.
  • Improved operable gates at the Accessible Belay Ledge.
  • ADA-compliant hand washing station.

Benefits

  • New climbing routes on innovative topography.
  • Improved air circulation, allowing for cooler climbing when it’s warm and warmer climbing when it’s cool.
  • Improved air quality and airflow from reduced chalk dust.
  • Enhanced ambient and artificial light with striking visuals and changeable lighting displays.
  • Increased comfort with a new bench, cubbies and lockers.
  • Easier access to the climbing walls from the accessible belay ledge.
  • Hand washing station accessible to all.
Architectural rendering of Dixon's renovated East Entrance.

Dixon's East Entrance

Renovation Summary

  • Upgraded reception desk that is visually consistent with Dixon's West Entry.
  • Upgraded flooring throughout the East Entry.
  • New wood ceiling with integrated lighting and HVAC.
  • Upgraded signage, including digital and wayfinding.
  • New lounge space near East Entry.
  • New indoor windows looking into the climbing gym.

Benefits

  • Improved traffic flow into the building and the climbing wall.
  • Fresh and modern aesthetic with visual consistency across Dixon. 
  • Improved awareness of Rec Center events and easier wayfinding.
  • Improved access to staff.
  • Better visibility into the Climbing Gym.
  • Increased comfort with upgraded seating and heating and cooling.
Two racketball rackets and a ball.

Dixon's Racketball and Squash Courts

Renovation Summary

  • Upgraded wall and floor finishes.
  • Enlarged court entry doors to meet ADA requirements. 
  • Upgraded signage.
  • Upgraded HVAC ductwork and distribution.
  • Upgraded LED lighting and lighting controls.

Benefits  

  • Fresh, clean aesthetic.
  • Racquetball and squash courts are accessible to all.
  • Improved wayfinding.
  • Improved airflow and more consistent temperatures.
  • Improved court visibility through upgraded lighting.
  • Reduced maintenance costs with LED lighting.
Arcitectural rendering of new athletic training space student with trainer

Athletic Training Services

Renovation Summary

  • Bigger space for treating sport club participants' athletic injuries, including multiple treatment tables.
  • The ability to provide different treatment modalities, including heat and ice 
  • Two private exam rooms.

Benefits

  • The expanded space allows for multiple sport club participants to receive treatment simultaneously, improving the efficiency of Rec Sports health care services.
  • With the ability to offer different treatment modalities, sport club participants will receive care tailored to their specific needs.
  • Private exam rooms ensure that all athletes receive care in a confidential and inclusive environment.
Architectural rendering of Dixon's Indoor Climbing Center.

Dixon's Better Use Update

Renovation Summary

Additional updates throughout Dixon Rec Center include:

  • New LED lighting at skylights.
  • Upgraded skylights in the northwest corridor.    
  • A new whole building generator. 
  • Replacement of the electrical switchgear.
  • Generator powered egress lighting instead of battery back-up.
  • Replacement of end-of-life Heat Recovery Units.
  • Upgraded HVAC in the ALI suite and laundry facility.
  • Replacement of the ground floor egress doors from north side of the building and Lower Gym.
  • New accessible concrete egress path and egress lighting on north side of the building.
  • New ADA compliant chairlift from the third floor to the running track.
  • Replacement of the northwest roof and insulation and new guardrail at low parapets.

Benefits

  • Improved ambient lighting at skylights.    
  • Ability to keep the building running smoothly, even in a power outage.
  • Balanced heating, cooling and airflow in the ALI suite and laundry facility.
  • Improved energy efficiency and increased heating and cooling capacity.
  • Reduced maintenance costs due to: 
    • Replacement of end-of-life equipment.
    • Installation of new LED lighting and generator powered emergency lighting.
    • New fixtures and equipment located for easy maintenance access.
    • Improved roof drainage.
  • Safe emergency egress from the north side of the building and Lower Gym.
  • Existing running track accessible to all from the third floor.
  • Improved rooftop safety for Facilities team.

Impact

  • Most of this work will not prevent access to or use of the facilities. Any necessary closures will be communicated in advance, along with alternate routes identified throughout the building. This work will begin in the Summer of 2025 with an anticipated completion date in Winter 2026.