Center for Outdoor Recreation and Education celebrates grand opening  

Augusta University’s Center for Outdoor Recreation and Education held its grand opening Thursday, Sept. 25, after undergoing comprehensive interior and exterior renovations. The updated facility sports new front offices, an expanded indoor lobby, landscaping, new furniture, conference rooms and a bouldering cave that complements the climbing tower and challenge course that opened in November 2024.

AU President Russell T. Keen and First Lady Karen B. Keen led the ribbon cutting alongside AU leadership, the CORE construction team and Outdoor Recreation staff and student employees. Lauren Ford, a fourth-year anthropology major and lead student staff member for Outdoor Recreation, also assisted in cutting the ribbon to recognize her four years of dedication and leadership to the program.

“Campus recreation is more than facilities: it’s about cultivating leadership, enriching student experiences, and fostering connection. I encourage all students to take advantage of these opportunities to build community and learn from each other,” said President Keen. “The CORE, challenge course and climbing tower are a testament of AU’s dedication to our students. I’m especially thankful to the Enrollment and Student Affairs team, who work tirelessly to elevate the student experience. Their efforts are reflected in this space, which will serve as a hub for student engagement.”

The celebration marked a historic accomplishment that’s been several years in the making. Trey Harrison, director of Campus Recreation, praised the dedication of staff members and student employees in shaping Outdoor Recreation into a valuable resource for the Augusta University community.

The grand opening highlighted the many ways students and community members can engage with Outdoor Recreation activities, including renting bikes, paddleboards, camping equipment and kayaks. Harrison hopes that the event encourages students to continue exploring and connecting with the newly updated recreation hub, situated along the Augusta Canal.

“Events like the grand opening give students the chance to participate in shared experiences that promote connection and a sense of belonging,” said Bear Welmaker, coordinator for Outdoor Recreation. “By highlighting the full range of Outdoor Recreation offerings, the CORE encourages students to get involved in programs and activities that support wellness, learning and personal growth, while fostering meaningful connections.”

According to Welmaker, participation in CORE activities can extend well beyond recreation. Participants build resilience, confidence, teamwork and leadership through activities that challenge both mind and body. Embracing challenge by choice, the Outdoor Recreation team strives to set a standard that helps others step out of their comfort zone and experience outdoor adventure in a safe environment.

Matt Davis, assistant director of Outdoor Recreation, demonstrates this mindset through his own endeavors— from ultramarathons to Ironman competitions — reflecting the grit and determination he instills in student staff.

“We’re not going to grow if we don’t challenge ourselves,” said Davis. “Getting students to step out of their comfort zone a little bit is what we’re here to do, and that’s how we’re going to build leadership. We want to push them out of their comfort zone so that they feel supported to grow and build those interpersonal and intrapersonal skills.” 

Davis works closely with Ford, who has been involved with the program for the majority of her undergraduate experience, and has assisted in shaping what the program is today. Ford credits the program for significantly impacting her college journey and opening her eyes to a new career path.   

“Seeing this program built from the ground up has been awesome,” said Ford. “I have really enjoyed being a part of Outdoor Recreation, and I feel like it’s shaped a lot of my life. I never originally thought to pursue a career in a university setting or outdoor recreation. Through this role, I realized that I absolutely love working with people and with them as they navigate different experiences.”   

Many Augusta University students were excited to dive into the CORE’s transformative activities and tackle new heights with the challenge course and climbing tower. Jennifer Beiza Flores, a second-year business administration major, and Nathaniel Smith, a second-year computer science major, have previously engaged with Outdoor Recreation and were excited to see the updated facility. 

“I’ve previously done a challenge course before, and I love them,” said Flores. “I could do them for hours. I think it gives students a way to relieve stress and have fun outside of school.”   

Smith agrees that Outdoor Recreation’s activities are a great stress relief. He was excited to watch others celebrate the grand opening by hopping on the zipline or traversing the challenge course.  

“If you haven’t stopped by the CORE, you have nothing to worry about,” said Smith. “Just give it a shot, have a fun time and you’ll be excited when you’re up in the air and have completed the course. It’s something that you can look back on and say you’ve accomplished.”   

The challenge course and climbing tower are available for groups to reserve, and Outdoor Recreation will soon offer workshops, clinics and other fun experiences to give students more ways to get involved.    

Visit Outdoor Recreation’s website for more information about the climbing tower and challenge course reservations, outdoor trips and rental equipment, including bikes, kayaks, paddleboards and camping equipment. Stay up to date with upcoming events by following @aug_outdoorrec.