Since its grand opening in 2002, the Student Recreation and Wellness Center (SRWC) has been a defining feature of student life at The University of Akron. Designed to promote fitness, adventure and community, the facility has provided students with countless opportunities to challenge themselves in new ways. Among its standout features is the 52.5-foot rock wall that draws climbers of all skill levels to test their limits.
More than just a striking centerpiece, the rock wall has become the heart of UA’s Outdoor Adventure programs. It serves as a
starting point for students eager to explore activities like backpacking, mountain biking and whitewater rafting. For many, what begins as casual curiosity about climbing quickly turns into a passion for adventure that extends far beyond the walls of the Rec Center.
The Heart of Adventure
In April 2002, the SRWC and the Stile Athletics Field House were opened as part of the $300 million Landscape for Learning deal, a campus enhancement program that started in 2000 and added new buildings, green space and amenities.
The rock wall, which is located to the left of the front entrance, was always part of the SRWC’s original plans. Its dazzling presence grabs visitors’ attention as soon as they enter the building.
The wall has three main sections: the center features a 52.5-foot tower, to the left is a 26-foot climb and three 40-foot climbs are found on the right. In all, there are seven ropes — three for the center tower and the 26-foot climb and three for the 40-foot tall section, one of which is an auto belay. An auto belay is a mechanical device for belaying in indoor climbing walls, in both training and competition climbing formats. It’s hard not to admire its impressive scale.
Jon Dent, manager of Outdoor Adventure at the SRWC, explains how the rock wall connects students to Outdoor Adventure.
“The rock wall serves as a gateway to deeper interests,” Dent adds. “Both climbers and non-climbers will stop and ask questions
about climbing, which leads them to explore Outdoor Adventure’s other programs and activities. Often, students will end up asking
about the climbing classes that we offer, which are Intro to Belay and Lead Climbing.
Keana Royce, a junior majoring in biology, echoes the sentiment. “Prior to climbing at the rock wall, I only visited the Rec Center to lift,” she said. “Though I’ve always wanted to try climbing, I simply didn’t know how. When I heard of the introductory rock-climbing course offered through UA, I could not pass it up.”
As students become more familiar with the rock wall, many realize its true appeal. “Students are drawn to the challenge. There’s a healthy sense of competition, both with peers and themselves,” Dent says.
And once they grasp the deeper attractions of climbing, students are drawn into the sense of community the wall builds. “Many
students find like-minded friends through climbing. These friendships often extend to outdoor climbing and other Outdoor Adventure activities,” Dent explains.
“Through this course and spending time at the rock wall, I have made many lifelong friends and learned a new skill that I will hopefully pursue for the rest of my life,” said Royce.
By Beau Balizet '25