University of Houston Campus Recreation

Overview

The University of Houston Campus Recreation and Wellness Center (CRWC) is a state-of-the-art recreation facility designed to promote health, wellness, and community engagement among students, faculty, staff, alumni, and guests. While not exclusively a sauna-focused business, it offers a holistic approach to recreation with extensive fitness, aquatics, and adventure amenities in a vibrant, inclusive campus environment. The overall atmosphere is energetic and supportive, fostering personal growth, stress relief (e.g., via events like Stress Free Finals), and social interaction through group activities, competitions, and wellness programs. With high participation rates—over 649,000 total visits annually—it emphasizes fun, safety, and experiential learning.

Features & Amenities

• Fitness Areas: Multiple gyms including Main Gyms (1-3) for basketball, volleyball, badminton, and soccer; weight rooms; multipurpose rooms for classes; cycling studio.
• Aquatics Facilities: Natatorium with lap lanes (Short 09-17); Leisure Pool (indoor/outdoor); swim lessons and club practices.
• Outdoor Spaces: Gertner Field for sports like rugby and soccer; Tennis/Pickleball Courts (7-12 indoor/outdoor); Outdoor Leisure Pool (seasonal).
• Climbing Wall: Indoor bouldering and climbing (2:00pm-8:00pm weekdays).
• Other Amenities: Multipurpose Activity Court, competition spaces, rental equipment (bikes, paddleboards), UH Rec App for access/schedules, MyRec Portal for waivers/memberships.
• Tech Upgrades: Tablet/online payments, updated furniture, fitness equipment.

Services

• Group Fitness: Classes like Yoga, Pilates, Zumba (e.g., mornings/evenings in multipurpose rooms).
• Personal Training: Customized sessions to build confidence in fitness environments.
• Intramural Sports: Team/individual competitions (602 teams, 16,515 participants); open rec for basketball, volleyball, etc.
• Aquatics Programs: Swim lessons, lifeguard training, club swims (81% increase in registered activities).
• Outdoor Adventure: Trips (188 trips, 42% participation growth), workshops (154% growth), climbing (7,537 participants).
• Sport Clubs: 22 clubs (e.g., men’s volleyball, rugby, tennis; 5,134 participants).
• Events & Training: FIT for HIRE ($105+ for off-site classes/events); First Aid/CPR/AED; Stress Free Finals (free t-shirts/food/activities).
• Memberships & Access: Student/faculty/staff/alumni passes (2,708 memberships); guest passes; annual waiver via portal/app.

Pricing

• Limited pricing details available; FIT for HIRE classes start at $105 (30-day advance booking; contact Fitness Assistant Director).
• General access via memberships (students: 804, faculty/staff: 1,061, alumni: 374) and guest passes (8,857 issued; adult/child rates not specified).
• Many programs free/included for members (e.g., open rec, group fitness); app registrations for events.

Location & Hours

• Location: University of Houston campus (exact address via UH links; requires Cougar Card or Rec membership for entry; digital ID via UH Rec App).
• Operating Hours (sample for Dec 2025; varies by facility/season; check calendar/app):
  • Campus Rec Center: Weekdays 6:00am-11:30pm; Sat 8:00am-8:00pm; Sun 12:00pm-11:30pm.
  • Natatorium: M-Th 6:00am-9:00am & 12:00pm-9:00pm; Fri shorter; weekends 10:00am/12:00pm-7:30pm.
  • Outdoor Leisure Pool: Closed in sample winter week; seasonal M-Th 3:00pm-7:30pm.
  • Climbing Wall: M-F 2:00pm-8:00pm; weekends 2:00pm-6:00pm.
  • Gertner Field/Tennis Courts: Evenings/weekends (e.g., 4:00pm-11:00pm).
  • Admin Office: M-F 8:00am-5:00pm; full 2025-2026 schedule in PDF.

Notes

• What Makes it Special: Mission-driven (life skills via inclusive programs); NIRSA awards, Red Cross Top Provider (2nd year), grants for community swim lessons. Highlights: 265% fitness growth, partnerships (Alumni Association, ROTC, Athletics), hosted conferences/academies. Emphasizes values like safety, inclusion, fun; social media growth (21% Instagram). University-focused but open to community; app enhances experience. No dedicated saunas noted, but comprehensive wellness via pools, fitness, and relaxation events distinguishes it as a top campus rec hub.