Dixie State University will celebrate the addition of its new state-of-the-art Human Performance Center with a Dedication Ceremony, rooftop concert and Community Day.
The Dedication Ceremony will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 13. at 1:30 p.m. at the HPC, located at the intersection of University Avenue and Trailblazer Boulevard. Following the ceremony, DSU will offer tours of the facility to showcase the space and amenities included. To top off the day, a concert celebration will be held on the roof of the building from 6 to 8 p.m. followed by fireworks.
The following day, Nov. 14, will be the HPC’s inaugural Community Day. From 3 to 9 p.m. community members will have a chance to participate in numerous activities and experience the amenities of DSU’s newest addition to campus. Activities will include swimming, rock climbing, exercise classes and more.
“The Human Performance Center perfectly embodies DSU’s “active learning. active life.” approach to education,” DSU President Richard “Biff” Williams said. “We are excited to include the community in our continued growth and look forward to having them join us in celebrating this momentous occasion.”
Academically, the 155,000 square-foot facility brings together all of the areas of DSU’s Health & Human Performance department, including Exercise Science, Population Health and Recreation & Sport Management. It will also house the first-ever graduate program in the College of Health Sciences, Master of Athletic Training, as well as provide the space necessary to partner with the University of Utah to offer Physical and Occupational Therapy programs in southern Utah.
“The Human Performance Center is the perfect place for everything to come together – the social, physical and educational,” DSU student and exercise science major Jesse Clingman said. “I feel like the general population of students will see an improvement in overall health and wellness as a result.”
In addition to housing Dixie State’s Campus Recreation and Intramural programs, the building will include exercise facilities such as basketball and pickleball courts, a student fitness center, a 65-foot rock climbing wall – the largest on any Utah college campus – and an indoor track that connects to an open-air rooftop one via a sprint track. Additionally, the roof will provide space where the University can host special events outside.
The center also features an Olympic-sized swimming pool built to accommodate both high school and college swim meets. With movable bulkheads to adjust lane sizes and 750 spectator seats, the new pool will draw people to swim meets in St. George and add to the City’s economic development as well.
“This new facility stands as a landmark for the institution,” Health & Human Performance Department Chair, Dr. Susan Hart, said. “It’s fantastic for student recruitment and retention as well as a draw for faculty. It shows that the University is willing to invest in a space to enhance students’ academic preparedness as well as health and well-being.”
DSU worked with Layton Construction, MHTN Architects and Hastings+Chivetta design services on the facility. The $60 million project was funded by appropriations from the Utah State Legislature, student fees, and donations from Washington County, the City of St. George and private contributors.
For more information visit hpc.utahtech.edu.