A national recreation magazine has picked UC Riverside’s Student Recreation Center, or SRC, as its “Rec of the Month” for March.

It’s the first time the facility has won the recognition from Campus Rec, a resource for college and university recreation centers and professionals.

“Our department is focused on providing holistic well-being and stress-reducing solutions for all Highlanders,” said Dusan Stancic, marketing manager with the Recreation Department. “It is an honor to be recognized for our efforts, and this award is a great reflection on UC Riverside's dedication to support student success.”

The magazine highlighted many of the programs and amenities at the 155,000-square-foot facility, which includes a 22,000-square-foot athletics arena, five multipurpose rooms, an 8,300-square-foot fitness gym, tennis and volleyball courts, and a 237,000-gallon swimming pool.

The original building, now called SRC North, was built in 1994. Its size doubled in 2014 with an expansion project adding SRC South, a two-story, 70,000-square-foot building.

In addition to fitness equipment and classes, the SRC provides child care, cooking classes, intramural sports, rock climbing on its 32-foot rock wall, and recreation activities including guided outdoor trips. It also hosts summer family activities including camps for children.

The SRC employs around 380 student workers. In 2018, it had nearly 703,700 total visitor entries and more than 18,900 unique student visitors.