Demolition Has Begun

Demolition of the leisure pool is underway! Check out the recently added Renovation Images section below for additional renderings of the first and second floors, as well as images of the demolition process!

 

Renovation Info

Projected Timeline & Updates
  • Late 2025 ---------- Renovation Announcement
    November 2025: Official announcement
    December 2025: Renovation email update
  • Early 2026 ---------- Demolition Phase
    January 2026: Leisure pool and spa close permanently; Sand volleyball court closes for renovation duration
    March 2026: Demolition pictures added
  • Mid 2026 ---------- Construction Phase
  • Late 2027 ---------- Project Completion
    August 2027: Anticipated completion for start of Fall 2027 semester

** Please note this timeline is a rough estimate and will likely change due to a variety of circumstances. Please check back regularly to keep up to date with the latest timeline estimate. **

First Floor Highlights
  • Strength equipment
  • Free weight area
  • Functional training space - turf

first floor blueprint-like rendering showing current space and proposed new fitness space, including colored areas that highlight where elements like stretching, turf, stairs, and other components will be located

Second Floor Highlights
  • Cardio equipment
  • Strength equipment
  • Stretching area
  • Spin studio
  • Functional training space - open studio

second floor blueprint-like rendering showing proposed location and space for spin, studio space, cardio, and equipment

Official Announcement

November 2025 ---------- Official Renovation Announcement
The Pohl Rec Center opened its doors in Fall 2003 to a student body of just over 31,000. Twenty-two years later, our student body has grown by nearly 50%, and Rec Center visits are reaching almost half a million annually. The need for a larger, better space for wellness has never been more evident.

Today we’re excited to share that in early 2026, the Rec Center will begin a much needed and anticipated renovation project scheduled for completion by the start of Fall 2027.

Beginning in early January 2026, the leisure pool and spa will be permanently closed, and demolition will begin to add 20,000 square feet of dedicated fitness space across two levels. Members and students will continue to have access to the Rec Center and lap pool throughout the renovation but will temporarily lose access to the sand volleyball area and surrounding green space for project staging. Walkways and other areas, including the outdoor basketball court and Rec Center itself, may be periodically affected. 

We’ll do our best to minimize the areas affected and, whenever possible, communicate in advance through the Rec Sports app and our social media sites. Additional information and details, along with impact notifications and renovation updates, can be found on our website by visiting https://recsports.unt.edu/renovation

Although a project of this size will likely come with some bumps and bruises, our commitment to providing recreational experiences that support and inspire the UNT community will remain unwavering. We believe this renovation speaks to that commitment, and we’re excited to continue evolving and reshaping those experiences to support you, and all those who call UNT home, on your wellness journey. 

Renovation Images

First Floor Renderings
Second Floor Renderings
Demolition Images

Renovation FAQ

Will the Rec Center remain open?

Yes! The Rec Center will remain open during the renovation project.

Will we still be able to use the lap pool?

Yes! The Lap Pool will continue having open swim hours, and will be accessible during the renovation.

Will the lap pool have any additional open hours?

Yes! Beginning in the spring the lap pool will have additional hours for open swim. Those hours will be:

Sunday: 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Monday: 6:15 am – 8:00 am; 11:00 am – 2:00 pm; 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Tuesday: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm; 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Wednesday: 6:15 am – 8:00 am; 11:00 am – 2:00 pm; 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Thursday: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm; 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Friday: 6:15 am – 8:00 am; 11:00 am – 2:00 pm; 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Saturday: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm  

Is the sand volleyball court going away permanently?

No! The sand volleyball court will close officially on Thursday, January 15. The sand volleyball court and surrounding green space will be used for construction staging. Once construction is complete, the sand volleyball court will reopen.

Will aquatic programs like Learn To Swim and certification courses still be offered?
Yes! We will continue to offer learn to swim and certification courses in the lap pool.