Rice’s Rec Center ranked No. 5 among best in nation

Rice’s Barbara and David Gibbs Recreation and Wellness Center is ranked No. 5 on a new list of the 50 best campus recreation centers for 2018.

Dance classes are offered at the Gibbs Recreation and Wellness Center.

College Consensus, a college review aggregator, compiled the list from schools that have achieved national recognition for their recreation programs, including publisher rankings such as Men’s Health, architectural awards and positive student reviews online.

“The best campus recreation centers are more than just a place for fun and friendly competition,” said Carole Baker, director of marketing for College Consensus. “They are integral to student health, community and personal growth.”

College Consensus attributed part of the reason for the high quality of life and happiness enjoyed by Rice students to the recreational opportunities available on campus.

Students take advantage of the recreation pool at the Gibbs Rec Center.

“The Barbara and David Gibbs Recreation and Wellness Center is one of the finest campus recreation centers in the region, with an enormous 9,000-square-foot cardio and weight training room, squash and racquetball courts, and two pools — a competition and a recreation pool,” College Consensus wrote in its description. “There is no shortage of fitness classes, intramural and club sports and outdoor activities, many led by Rice Outdoor Programs and Education (R.O.P.E.). Students are also welcome to many wellness activities, such as meditation and recreational dance classes.”

According to College Consensus, the 50-best list, which was topped by the University of Chicago, includes “highly regarded schools that also happen to have amazing recreational and wellness facilities on their campuses.”

For the complete list and more info on the methodology for the rankings, click here.