915 W. Wisconsin Avenue
In the continued commitment to its neighborhood, Marquette University purchased a former YMCA building in the spring of 1993. After renovation and addition of the state-of-the-art equipment, the Rec Plex was opened to the Marquette family and the Milwaukee Community in Straz Tower.
If you have questions about the Rec Plex please call (414) 288-7778.
The Rec Plex is designed to give its patrons a health club atmosphere and includes:
- 1 Suspended jogging track
- 2 Gymnasiums
- 1 Group fitness/yoga room
- 1 Free weight room
- 1 Fitness Center
- 2 Men's locker room areas
- 2 Women's locker room areas
- 3 Racquetball courts
- 1 Spin room
- 1 Squash court
- 1 Golf Practice area
- 1 Wellness Center
The Rec Plex features weight rooms, a variety of cardio machines including steppers, recumbent bikes, treadmills, stationary bikes, rowers and ellipticals.
To view the hours, click here.
Rec Plex Pool
Rec Plex pool to permanently close at end of May
Following a professional structural and functional analysis, Marquette University has made the decision to permanently close the pool at the Rec Plex in Straz Tower. The last day the Rec Plex pool will be open will be Friday, May 29, 2026.
The analysis of the Rec Plex pool determined that the pool and its infrastructure are in significant disrepair and have outlived their useful life. The costs to bring the facility to modern standards are substantial and outweigh the benefits, particularly given the availability of a new, Olympic-sized pool and higher student utilization at the world-class Wellness + Helfaer Recreation facility. Consolidating these campus resources is more efficient and provides cost-savings and a better holistic student experience.
All currently enrolled Marquette students and those with a Campus Affiliate membership will continue to have access to the pool at Wellness + Helfaer Recreation. Campus Affiliate memberships are available to current Marquette faculty and staff, Marquette retirees, and current Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design students.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How will the closing of the Rec Plex Pool affect pool hours at Wellness + Helfaer Recreation?
Pool hours at Wellness + Helfaer Recreation may vary based on programming needs, academic calendar breaks, and the availability of certified student lifeguards. For the most current schedule, please visit the Pool Hours website.
I value my membership because I enjoy swimming. Can I continue my membership to swim at Wellness + Helfaer Recreation?
Access to Wellness + Helfaer Recreation is limited to current Marquette Students, Marquette Alumni, and Campus Affiliate Members (Current MU Fac/Staff, MU Retirees, MU Jesuits and MIAD Students). Community and household family memberships do not include access to the WR facility.
If I am an alumnus, can my significant other work out with me at Wellness + Helfaer Recreation?
Not at this time. Community and household family memberships, including access for significant others, are not permitted at Wellness + Helfaer Recreation.
Does Wellness + Helfaer Recreation have dedicated parking?
No, dedicated parking is not available. Street parking can be found along 16th Street (one-way heading north), 17th Street (one-way heading south), and Clybourn Avenue.
Why did Marquette choose not to repair the Rec Plex Pool?
The cost required to bring the pool facility up to modern standards and code compliance is prohibitively high.
What are the plans for the space currently occupied by the pool?
At this time, no final decisions have been made. Long-term planning discussions are ongoing.
Will swim lessons be offered at Wellness + Helfaer Recreation?
Yes. We plan to offer adult group and private swim lessons for current Marquette University students, campus affiliates, and alumni members with active paid memberships. We will no longer offer children swim lessons.
How will locker rooms be affected at the Rec Plex?
Locker room availability at the Rec Plex will not be impacted by the pool closure.
