What to Expect
| SERF | The Nick | |
| Usable square footage | 124,000 | 170,145 |
| Gross square footage | 192,170 | 240,560 |
| Fitness square footage | 8,500 | 30,400 |
| Full-size basketball courts | 4 | 8 |
| Fitness studios/multipurpose studios | 1 (4,600 sq. ft.) | 5 (12,575 sq. ft.) |
| Pool short course lanes (maximum) | 16 | 29 |
| Diving well | No | Yes |
| Pool spectator seating | None | 1,000 |
- 5 levels of activity space, all with abundant natural light
- 30,400 square feet dedicated to cardio and strength fitness spaces
- 8 full size basketball courts for multiple activities, including basketball, volleyball, badminton, futsal, and special events
- 5 multi-purpose studios to use for group fitness, indoor cycling, small group training programs, sport club practices, and student organizations
- Functional training sprint ramp leading up to a suspended threelane indoor track measuring one-sixth of a mile
- More than 300 day-use lockers throughout activity spaces with built-in locks to secure personal belongings and prevent theft
- Dedicated personal training suite for assessments and private consultations
- Multiple open areas throughout the facility to allow for stretching, core work, and functional training
- 2 racquetball courts
- Dedicated cycle room with theater-style audio, visual, and enhanced lighting
- 50-meter pool (convertible to two 25-yard pools) featuring 29 total possible short course lanes and 25-yard diving well
- Future home for the University of Wisconsin-Madison Swimming and Diving teams
- ADA accessible pool with operable pool floor allowing for zero-depth entry, shallow-water training, and competition lap swimming
- Private shower stalls in both men’s and women’s locker rooms
- All-gender and single-use bathrooms and showers
- Bathrooms on every level of the facility
- Fully ADA-accessible spaces, providing fitness opportunities for all users
- Multiple views within the facility of signature landmarks in Madison, including the State Capitol and Lake Mendota
See For Yourself
FAQ
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Why is the SERF being replaced before the Nat?
Knowing that the southeast neighborhood is the population center for UW-Madison, students overwhelmingly requested that the SERF be the priority for revamping the recreational future for campus. Once the new facility is completed, it will provide a much larger presence on the southeast side to accommodate the ever-increasing number of students and residence halls while construction of the new “Nat” facility begins. Additionally, University of Wisconsin Swimming and Diving competitions are currently hosted at the Nat, which will need to continue throughout the construction of the Nicholas Recreation center. Once the Nicholas Recreation Center is constructed, it will house the new home for Wisconsin Swimming and Diving. Once the new Nat is built, the pool at that location will support more recreational activities for our everyday users. Kinesiology is an important partner and tenant in the current Nat facility. Planning for the new Nat will take more time to finalize staffing plans and changes to classroom locations while the Nat is down. The Nicholas Recreation center will be able to provide some overflow spaces for the Kinesiology department to hopefully reduce some of that compression.
What is the construction timeline for the Nicholas Recreation Center?
The demolition of the current SERF and the construction of the Nicholas Recreation Center is expected to take approximately two years to complete. Demolition began at the end of the fall 2017 semester and construction is expected to complete by early 2020. This timeline is subject to change, and will be updated when new information is available.
How long will student segregated fees fund this project?
Campus will use 30-year bonds to pay for Master Plan projects. Once the 30-year bond is paid, student segregated fees are expected to reduce respectively.
Is UW Athletics involved in this project?
Yes. UW Athletics is funding half ($13 million) of the costs to build a brand new Aquatic Center within the Nicholas Recreation Center project, which will be the eventual home of Wisconsin Swimming and Diving. This state-of-the-art facility will include a diving well with a 10-meter diving platform, an operable pool floor, 29 short course lanes, and spectator seating. Once completed, the new “Nat” will no longer host swimming and diving competitions for Wisconsin Athletics.
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What can we expect for pool hours at the Nat?
While the Nicholas Recreation Center project is underway, the Nat Pool will accommodate Rec Sports programming and open rec swim, Wisconsin Swimming and Diving team practices and competitions, and Department of Kinesiology classes. Open rec swim times are expected to be scheduled as follows, but are subject to change:
| Mondays | 11am – 2pm, 5pm- 9pm |
| Tuesdays | 11am – 2pm, 5pm – 9pm |
| Wednesdays | 7am – 9am, 11am-2pm, 5pm- 9pm |
| Thursdays | 11am – 2pm, 5pm-9pm |
| Fridays | 7am – 9am, 11am – 2pm, 5pm-9pm |
| Saturdays | 11am – 8pm |
| Sundays | 11am – 8pm |
Where will I play intramural sports?
The Shell and Nat will house indoor intramural sports, and the Near West Fields will host our outdoor intramural sports. These fields feature a state-of-the-art synthetic turf system that will be playable during the majority of the year without concern of rain, mud, or flooding.
Where will group fitness classes be held?
Group fitness classes will be held at the Nat. A complete Group Fitness schedule will be published online throughout the year. You may also find additional group fitness classes at various locations around campus, so be sure to follow us on social media for more details.
Will parking be impacted during construction?
Yes. During the construction of the Nicholas Recreation Center, Lot 87 will be closed as part of the construction site. Please visit UW Transportation Services for updates and impacts to permits, guest, and service vehicle parking options.