Hybrid complex adds 100,000 square feet of academic and recreation space

 

The Alvernia University community gathered for the public unveiling, blessing and dedication of the newly opened 100,000 square feet academic and recreation hybrid facility Tom and Helen Flynn Complex for Recreation, Wellness and Health Sciences (PLEX).

 

"This is truly a historic moment for Alvernia University as the dream of this complex becomes a reality as it will now and forever be known as Flynn Center for Recreation, Wellness & Health Science,” said Alvernia University President John R. Loyack. “The PLEX will now and forever be shaping our community’s mind, body and spirit.

 

The facility's academic spaces are designed to promote shared learning and integrative practices across a broad spectrum of health care and human service fields. The approach helps students develop expertise within their disciplines while enhancing understanding of other areas for integrated patient care.

 

“The specialty teaching labs provide our students a unique, state of the art, interdisciplinary experience in human anatomy and physiology and the application of movement theory, evaluation, diagnosis and intervention,” said Alvernia Senior Vice President and Provost Glynis Fitzgerald.

 

The PLEX's recreation spaces include a 70,000 square-foot field house which consists of a six-lane NCAA competition-level indoor track, four full-sized sports courts as space for an indoor practice facility for a variety of athletic activities; new strength training facilities and locker rooms.

 

“The recreational expansion addresses what has been a glaring disadvantage we have faced for many years,” said Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff John McCloskey. "Now, we have a wow facility for all students to have indoor recreational space for intramurals as well as exceptional space for all student-athletes to train year-round."

 

Consistent with Alvernia's long-standing commitment to the local community, The PLEX also provides indoor recreation opportunities for the Reading community. Area residents will be able to use the athletic facilities, local high schools and clubs will have the ability to access the complex for track meets and other indoor athletic events and visitors to the adjacent Angelica Park will be able to use restroom facilities in the PLEX during regular operating hours.

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