Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024 marked the grand opening of the new Adaptive Fitness Space at the EFC found in room 127 of the Carpenter Sports Building. Construction began on August 5, 2024 and concluded two weeks later with the installation of new wheelchair accessible fitness equipment. 

“I’m incredibly grateful and proUD of our commitment to providing quality fitness spaces for all of our students and people that use our facilities,” Director of Athletics, Community, and Campus Recreation Chrissi Rawak said. “Inclusivity is important to our university and one of our department’s core values and this is a great project to show the impact and importance it plays in our everyday lives.”

The goal of the new adaptive fitness space is to help establish a profound and positive impact on the community by making fitness more accessible to students, faculty and staff of all abilities. A central part of being a member of the Blue Hen family is developing inclusive environments and this space will help support that core value of Delaware’s Athletics, Community and Campus Recreation department. 

“Exercise is important to everyone’s health and wellbeing, and that includes individuals with disabilities,” University of Delaware Director of Disability Support Services Betsy Reed said. “I’m so happy UD is adding adaptive exercise equipment to the rec center for those with different, diverse physical abilities. The equipment will help encourage an active lifestyle, and the opportunity to experience the benefits of exercise.” 

The renovation included a dual cable cross machine, a chest and shoulder machine, and added a push button door opener to make the space more accessible for all users. Both pieces of fitness equipment feature an open design that makes it wheelchair accessible and welcoming to users of all abilities. 

“The newly renovated space and additions of adaptive fitness equipment has allowed for this facility to become more appealing and accessible for everyone, regardless of ability,” UD alumnae Natalie Delloso said. “These improvements now offer members of the UD community the flexibility and receptiveness that will allow them to pursue their exercise goals.”

Learn more and see a full gallery of images on the UD Campus Recreation website.