The $165,000 upgrades to the Special Events and Recreation Center (SERC) Fitness Center introduce new opportunities for strength training, functional movement, and cardio workouts. The upgraded equipment includes an 18-piece True Fitness circuit, additional True cardio equipment, and a Matrix Conexis functional training system. Along with the new equipment, the SERC’s updated layout creates a more spacious and engaging environment for the Brockport community.
“We’re trying to get the best product we can in front of our Brockport community.”
Scott Haines
“We’re trying to get the best product we can in front of our Brockport community,” said Scott Haines, Director of Campus Recreation. “I think that our students, faculty, and staff are going to really, really like it all.”
The new equipment and layout were selected based on feedback from the SERC’s members and observations of how the community uses the space. The updates aim to create a more functional environment while accommodating increased usage.
One of the biggest additions is the Matrix Conexis system, which allows multiple users to complete a variety of exercises at the same time. The system expands workout options while increasing the number of members who can utilize the space.
Scott Haines, Director of Campus Recreation
“We have more students, so it’s been a bit busier upstairs,” Haines said. “Overall, we’ll be able to have a few more people working out.”
Much of the previous equipment was still functional and was transferred to the Department of Kinesiology, Sport Studies, and Physical Education, but increasing repair needs and maintenance costs made it the right time to invest in new equipment.
“The students that we have right now seem to be more engaged with fitness,” Haines said. “That’s just going to continue to evolve.”
The SERC serves not only students, but also faculty, staff, alumni, and community members through membership opportunities, making the upgrades an investment in the entire Brockport community.
“The students that we have right now seem to be more engaged with fitness. That’s just going to continue to evolve.”
Scott Haines
“We’re a little bit unique where not a lot of universities invite the campus community or the community in general to utilize their spaces or their facilities,” Haines said. “We’re really engaged with Brockport, and for them, it’s all about the experience upstairs.”
Beyond supporting health and wellness, the SERC also plays an important role in the student experience and recruitment efforts. The facility is included on nearly every campus tour, giving prospective students a look at the resources available to them.
“When students are visiting, you’re like, ‘Okay, I can see myself in here,’” Haines said. “You have one side that’s for free weights — where you have the banging, the clanging, and the dropping of weights — versus the other side, where it’s a little more user-friendly. It’s not intimidating for someone to walk in, and hopefully everyone can find a place where they feel comfortable.”
The improvements build on the Center’s goal to provide a welcoming, modern space where the Brockport community can prioritize fitness, connection, and well-being.
