The State of the ARC

By Teri Bachman

A new state-of-the-art fitness and recreation center is really putting the “extra” in “extracurricular” for UC Davis students.

The Activities and Recreation Center—or ARC as it’s called—includes a four-court gym, a rounded court for indoor hockey and soccer, running track, fitness center and dance studios. The building also features technologically advanced conference facilities, including a ballroom and meeting rooms, and space for student clubs and the Cal Aggie Marching Band-uh!

Other amenities include a juice bar, pro shop, computer lounge and Wellness Center, where students can receive individually tailored advice to help them lead healthy lifestyles. The facility, which opened in April, is slightly bigger than, and connected to, Rec Hall—which has been renamed the Pavilion at ARC.

Students, who helped lead the planning process for the project, are paying for the center through a $68-a-quarter fee they approved in a 1999 referendum. User fees assessed faculty and staff and other income from facility rentals and food and pro shop commissions will also generate revenue.

The two-story building was designed to emphasize natural light and openness, says Director Jim Rodems. A large outdoor patio and an interior courtyard add to the activity space. “We think the campus is really going to enjoy it,” he says.

For more information, visit Web site arc.ucdavis.edu.

Photos by Debbie Aldridge/UC Davis.