On March 22, Dixon Recreation’s indoor climbing wall and east entrance were closed for renovations. The renovations are anticipated to conclude during the upcoming fall term.

The racquetball and squash courts will also be closed for renovation at the end of the 2025 spring term and will be closed over the summer term. 

Students interested in continuing to climb during the renovations are encouraged to use the McAlexander Fieldhouse indoor climbing wall. During the summer term, there will not be alternative squash or racquetball courts available for use.

The renovations, which are slated to cost $11.5 million, include several building improvements and updates.

In the Dixon climbing area, renovations will include a new modern climbing surface, a redesigned HVAC system and new air filtration to mitigate chalk dust. 

Additionally, a Kilter board, an adaptive climbing system customizable to the specific training needs of boulderers, will be installed in the climbing area. 

The squash and racquetball courts will be revamped with updated surfaces, lighting, refinished floors and larger doors. 

During the upcoming construction, Dixon’s facility will also gain new lighting, lounge space, updated front desks and accessibility upgrades. The renovation plans include a large space for Athletic Training Services. The new space has been designed to provide treatment to members of sports clubs on campus and is planned to be equipped to provide care to several athletes facing different injuries at any given time.  

According to Brian Hustoles, the associate director of marketing and communications with Recreational Sports at Oregon State, the renovations have been in the works for a while.

“The need to modernize and address essential life safety updates for a nearly 50-year-old building inspired Dixon Recreation Center’s current renovations. Constructed between 1974 and 1976, Dixon has served the OSU community for decades, and the renovations are part of a comprehensive 12-year building renewal plan,” Hustoles said over email. 

Hustoles also stated that, “Feedback from the OSU community influenced the Dixon Recreation Center renovations. Insight was gathered from various stakeholders, including the Recreational Sports, Advisory Board, the University Budget Committee, sport club participants and Rec Sports Adventure Leadership Institute staff.”

Hustoles also noted that other needed updates will be implemented alongside the new improvements to the climbing area, racquetball and squash courts.

So far, students have expressed excitement to staff about upcoming updates to the climbing center. 

According to Josh Norris, the senior assistant director of the Adventure Leadership Institute, in an email response, “The climbing community has been very excited to get a modern climbing surface and are really excited to upgrade to a state-of-the-art Kilter board for bouldering. Additionally, students have long been wanting increased ventilation and filtration for the climbing center, which can get quite hot during the summer.” 

Updated information about Dixon Recreation’s current renovation and recreation areas affected by construction can be found at the recreation department website https://recsports.oregonstate.edu/renovation.