“Welcome Home 2025” housing plan creates opportunity for brand new courts in highly visible recreation area

new outdoor basketball and volleyball courts nearing completion

YPSILANTI – Come the fall semester, Eastern Michigan University students will be able to enjoy physical activity on newly constructed outdoor basketball and volleyball courts on campus. The relocation and construction of the new courts result from the University’s Welcome Home 2025 plan, a transformative housing redevelopment project on EMU’s campus.

The new courts are aligned with EMU’s commitment to supporting the health and well-being of students. Physical activity is one of the best ways to keep a person’s body and brain healthy – relieving stress, improving mood, and preventing disease.

The new outdoor courts are located just north of the Rec/IM building and adjacent to the Student Center near the scenic pond. According to Justin Jett, director of EMU’s Rec/IM, the new location will allow students to play volleyball, basketball, and pickleball outdoors. The new courts complement the newly renovated Rec/IM, which houses weight training areas, gaming tables, an indoor track, and social areas among others. 

“I've had several opportunities to speak with students who are excited to get out there,” said Jett. “With the recent renovations to the Rec/IM building and added windows overlooking University Park, the courts will bring a renewed buzz to campus and students can continue to enjoy upgraded facilities inside and outside.”

To show off the new outdoor courts, the Rec/IM is collaborating with EMU Campus Life to host "Recharge at the Rec" on Sunday, Aug. 28, from 5 - 8 p.m. Students can participate in various activities and explore the new courts and the Rec/IM building. Food and beverages will be available.

“We encourage everyone to stop by and check out the new outdoor area and the recently renovated Rec facilities,” said Jett.

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 15,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.

August 10, 2022

Written by:
Melissa Thrasher

Media Contact:
Melissa Thrasher
mthrashe@emich.edu
734-487-4401