Faculty and Staff Information Regarding Upcoming Transition to the New Pitt Recreation and Wellness Center
The University of Pittsburgh is proud to announce the upcoming opening of the Pitt Recreation and Wellness Center (RWC), a state-of-the-art facility set to open in August 2025. This transformative space will offer expanded wellness services, innovative fitness equipment, and inclusive programming designed to meet the evolving needs of our campus community.
Transition from Current Facilities
As we prepare for the launch of the new RWC, our existing fitness and pool facilities in Trees and Bellefield Halls will begin a transition phase. The Bellefield pool is now permanently closed, while the Trees pool will remain available to faculty and staff until July 18. These facilities, though they have served our community well, are significantly outdated and would require substantial investment to remain operational for faculty and staff. Additionally, usage data shows that fewer than 3% of eligible faculty and staff used these facilities in the past year.
This transition is part of a broader investment in campus wellness, and we are committed to supporting faculty and staff throughout the change. During a brief period without on-campus facility access, our recreation staff will undergo specialized training to ensure they are well-prepared to operate the new facility and provide a welcoming experience. This time will also allow the team to shift operations, test equipment and systems, and prepare for the RWC’s full opening with the highest standard of service.
We understand that change may bring questions, and we are dedicated to providing timely, transparent updates. The Office of Human Resources and the Division of Student Affairs will continue to work together to support employees through this transition. More information—including exact opening dates, membership details, and preview opportunities—will be shared as the opening approaches.
A New Era of Wellness
The new Recreation and Wellness Center will provide access to vastly improved amenities, including:
- Expanded fitness and recreation space
- Fifth floor pool overlooking views of campus and the Cathedral
- Climbing wall
- Enhanced locker rooms and equipment
- Multipurpose studios and wellness programming
- Integrated wellness resources
The new facility will operate on a membership model, and pricing for faculty and staff is still being determined. Our goal is to ensure affordable, competitive pricing. Membership fees will support the long-term sustainability of the RWC and ensure consistent, high-quality service and maintenance.