By SUSAN JONES and SHANNON WELLS

A plan has finally been announced that will give some Pitt employees access to many but not all of the amenities in the new Recreation and Wellness Center on O’Hara Street.

Memberships will be available to purchase starting Nov. 1 for eligible employees — essentially everyone except staff represented by the United Steelworkers and All-Temps employees.

The announcement posted on the Office of Human Resources website on Oct. 16 confirmed what had been reported earlier — staff represented by the USW will not have access to the new building until fees are negotiated as part of the group’s first collective bargaining agreement. Pitt and the union have been negotiating since December 2024.

“Pool closures and a frustrating delay in the opening of the new Recreation and Wellness Center have left many faculty and staff accustomed to fitness access without options,” University Senate President Kris Kanthak said at the Oct. 16 Senate Council meeting.

Access and eligibility to the Recreation and Wellness Center for Pitt employees was developed by the Office of Human Resources, in consultation with Student Affairs and other key stakeholders. Employee input was collected during the construction process through multiple channels, and the University took that feedback into consideration in developing the new membership access plan. Ensuring pool access was a direct response to employee feedback, an HR spokesperson said.

“I’ve been assured that faculty’s access to these facilities will be at least as easy as it is at universities similar to ours (see story in Oct. 3 UTimes for peer institution policies), while at the same time will (ensure) student access to facilities that are funded entirely through student fees.”

The membership fees are:

Employees earning less than $50,000 annually (or the hourly equivalent) will pay $35 for a monthly membership.

Employees earning $50,000 or more annually (or the hourly equivalent) will pay $45 for a monthly membership.

Postdoctoral associates and scholars will have the same access as other eligible employees.

Access for emeritus faculty will be offered at the lower monthly membership rate of $35. 

Membership will give Pitt employees access to five floors of strength, cardio and functional training fitness equipment; the pool, with six lanes and open swim area, and spa; six sports courts for basketball, volleyball, badminton, pickleball and futsal; and a three-lane track. They also will be able to check out equipment for the sports courts and download a fitness app to track wellness progress.

There will be no dedicated faculty and staff amenities or hours, according to the announcement. Faculty and staff will utilize the same spaces and hours alongside students.

FOOD OPTIONS

The three new dining facilities at the Recreation and Wellness Center are set to open Nov. 5, according to Pitt Eats. The options include:

Squeezed: A freshly pressed juice bar

Recharge Café: The concept focuses on high-protein, balanced meals, including customizable bowls, smoothies and snacks,

Edamame: A fast-casual poke concept 

The building is open during the 2025-26 school year from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. The pool area is open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays and noon to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Hours will vary during the summer and during student breaks. See full list of hours here.

In addition, faculty and staff can join Pittsburgh Elite Aquatics — which operates a year-round swimming program at Trees Pool — at a discounted rate. The structured program is open to a wide range of swimmers, regardless of skill or experience level. It runs from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and 5:30 to 7 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Faculty and staff can join for $45 monthly, instead of the regular rate of $55. For more information and registration, email teampittmasters@gmail.com.

Previously staff and faculty had free access to pools and fitness facilities in Trees and Bellefield halls. The Bellefield pool is now permanently closed.

“The new Recreation and Wellness Center is a state-of-the-art facility that significantly expands access to modern wellness and fitness services. To maintain the quality and long-term sustainability of these services, all users will contribute,” the HR statement said. “Membership fees will support the long-term sustainability of the RWC and ensure consistent, high-quality service and maintenance.” 

There are services and certain facilities in the center to which faculty and staff will not have access, including: Instructor-led programs; the outdoor rental center, and the broader health and wellness services such as counseling services, financial wellness, student health services and the Stress Free Zone.

The climbing wall and E-Recreation suite may be included in future membership add-ons, for an additional fee.

“This was a surprisingly complex problem,” Kanthak said, “and while not everyone will be happy with the solution, I was incredibly grateful for all the Senate colleagues who worked hard on this.”

These include Campus Utilization, Planning and Safety Committee Chair David Salcido and Vice President Julia Meade, as well as “our partners in the administration,” including Kevin Washo, senior vice chancellor for external relations.

Starting Nov. 1, eligible employees can go to the rec center member services desk on the fifth floor to take a tour of the facility and purchase memberships. The initial purchase will need to take place in person with opportunities to renew online. Only credit card payments or payroll deduction will be accepted. Anyone who is not a 12-month employee will be required to pay by credit card.  

Employees with questions about access to campus fitness and recreation facilities should submit an online inquiry. Questions about membership can be directed to recmemberships@pitt.edu. 

Susan Jones is editor of the University Times. Reach her at suejones@pitt.edu or 724-244-4042. Shannon O. Wells is a writer for the University Times. Reach him at shannonw@pitt.edu.

 

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