New Balance Student Recreation Center Recognized by Men’s Health Magazine

Men’s Health magazine has named the University of Maine New Balance Student Recreation Center one of “The Coolest College Recreation Centers in America.”

The feature touts that the facility, open since August 2007, offers ski and snowshoe rentals for the surrounding 20 kilometers of groomed trails in the DeMeritt Forest, as well as a 20-person hot tub, a large pool leisure area with hot-water-jet bench seating, co-ed sauna, more than 100 cardio and weight machines and a view of “the rustic Maine countryside.” The $25 million facility is the second of 12 entries in this ranking.

“The distinction of making the Men’s Health list affirms the standing of UMaine’s New Balance Student Recreation Center as one of the best in the country. This distinguished list of university recreation centers represents the best of the best,” says Jeff Hunt, UMaine’s director of campus recreation. “We here at UMaine are proud to add this distinction to honors our facility has received beginning in 2007.”

In April 2013, Best College Reviews named the University of Maine’s New Balance Student Recreation Center as No. 7 on its list of the “25 Most Amazing Campus Student Recreation Centers.”

The New Balance Student Recreation Center also received the 2009 Special Mention for Excellence in Architecture by the American Institute of Architects: New England and was included in the 2008 Athletic Business Architectural Showcase.

Additionally, the facility has been awarded Silver Certification under the U.S. Green Buildings Council’s Green Building Rating System, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

New Balance Student Recreation Center memberships are available to UMaine students, community members and the general public.