DePaul University A Campus Recreation Built For Every Student

In the heart of Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, the Ray Meyer Fitness and Recreation Center serves as a vibrant hub for wellness, connection, and community at DePaul University. More than just a fitness facility, “The Ray” embodies DePaul’s mission of inclusion — creating a space where every student, alumni, and community member can feel welcomed, supported, and inspired to grow.

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Creating Space for Every Student THE CHALLENGE

As interest in strength training and wellness surged across college campuses, DePaul University’s recreation team faced a familiar but complex challenge: how to create enough space, variety, and accessibility to meet the needs of a diverse membership base.

The Ray’s dual-purpose model — serving both DePaul students and local Lincoln Park residents — required a thoughtful approach to space planning. Students sought high-performance training areas, while community members needed approachable fitness options.

According to Life Fitness representative Danielle Pitzulo, “The biggest challenge was finding enough space for everyone — especially with the growing demand for strength training and free-weight access. We had to make sure the layout supported both advanced users and beginners without feeling crowded.”

Designing a Facility That Reflects Belonging The Process

To bring this vision to life, DePaul University partnered with Life Fitness and Hammer Strength to reimagine the flow and functionality of The Ray. The process included extensive layout revisions, renderings, and on-site collaboration to ensure the member journey felt natural and inclusive.

From the moment members enter the facility, the design intentionally guides them through distinct zones of progression — from beginner-friendly selectorized equipment to free-weight and performance training areas. The team worked through multiple layout iterations to achieve an environment that felt open, intuitive, and welcoming.

Leanne Kulchawik explained, “Our priorities are inclusivity, accessibility, and making sure we can serve students and all of their needs. We want everyone to feel comfortable, whether they’re just starting out or training for a specific goal.”

Digital touchpoints throughout the facility, such as interactive consoles and attract screens, also support communication and engagement, reinforcing the center’s role as both a physical and digital community hub.

Building a Campus Hub for Wellness and Connection The Outcome

Today, the Ray Meyer Fitness and Recreation Center stands as a model for how campus recreation can unite performance, wellness, and belonging under one roof. The redesigned strength and functional areas allow for smoother traffic flow and greater accessibility, while the overall environment empowers students to build confidence, connection, and well-being.

Kulchawik shared, “Campus Recreation is a vital part of the student experience and an investment in student success. Users who are consistently in our building do better in school, have lower stress levels, and maintain a higher GPA. We want students to think of us when they’re looking to improve their physical and mental well-being.”

By centering inclusivity and student wellness in every decision, DePaul University has created more than just a fitness facility — it has built a community where every student truly belongs.