Mason Recreation is all about creating opportunities for students to de-stress during midterms. At Mason Rec, we take a holistic approach to well-being. We seek to provide an environment that nurtures the Mason community’s state of being, happiness, and health.
We do this through facilities, programs, and services. Your student can utilize the Aquatic and Fitness Center (AFC), Recreation and Athletic Complex (RAC), Skyline Fitness Center as well as West Campus Fields in Fairfax along with The EDGE (Challenge Course) on the Science and Technology campus. Your student can stop by the AFC for a swim in one of our pools or take some time to sit in our sauna or spa. We also have a variety of fitness classes available. There is Yoga, Tai Chi, and the usual assortment of fitness-based classes that include but are not limited to cycling, strength, and martial arts.
You may be surprised to know that we would suggest employment as a part of enhancing well-being. We are one of the university’s largest student employers and are always looking for new members to join our team. We work with our staff to create flexible work schedules that allow more than enough time for academic pursuits while pouring into the career development of our staff’s work life. While working, the staff are able to develop healthy relationships with their co-workers. Our users also contribute to the positive energy that runs through the facility each and every day. Your student can become a part of that too.
Our facilities have court space, multi-purpose rooms, indoor and outdoor table tennis tables, and social space. On the courts, your student can play badminton, basketball, and volleyball. Even if they just want to run a couple of sprints and call it a day, our courts are available. Racquet activities are also an option. We have courts for squash, racquetball, and wallyball.
In our multi-purpose rooms, your student can take the time to meditate, dance, participate in a fitness class, complete a body weight workout, and stretch. On our fields, your student can complete almost any outdoor activity. Most activities are possible on our turf (RAC and West Campus) or grass fields (West Campus). There are also 8 tennis courts with lights and a pavilion if your student needs to decompress with someone else.
Something that many forget is that we have a presence on the Science and Technology campus. Taking a stroll on the beautiful Piedmont Trail, which surrounds our Team Development and Experiential Learning Experience (The EDGE), while breathing the fresh air and taking in nature is priceless.
Registration for Spring Intramurals is open now for a variety of sports. During this time, your student can register for 4-on-4 Flag Football, 11 vs. 11 Soccer, 3-on-3 Basketball, eGaming – Super Smash Bros, and table tennis. Check out our Spring 2020 Calendar for specific registration and season dates at recreation.gmu.edu/intramural-sports/spring-calendar. For activities that involve teams, your student has the opportunity to sign up with a team or as a free agent where they will be able to meet others with a common interest.
We also have some unique spaces to study, catch up with friends, or just hang out. At the RAC, your student can pick up something from Freshens while waiting to play table tennis. At Skyline there is an outdoor themed sitting space with a large table that has a life-sized map.
While at Skyline don’t forget to encourage your student to consider one of our Outdoor Adventure trips. We offer staff-led backpacking, climbing, trail walking trips, and other hikes. If your student is not able to join one of the trips, they can consider renting gear at a low price from the Outdoor Adventures Gear Rental station in Skyline and set out on their own adventure.
There are a number of ways that Mason Rec can contribute to your student’s overall well-being at Mason regardless of their interests. There is something for everyone. If you have any questions, please contact our staff at masonrec@gmu.edu.
Ethan Carter
Associate Director of Programs, Well-Being, & Assessment
Recreation & Athletic Complex
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