PROVIDENCE, RI — Brown University's dream of a new fitness center is about to come true.
The university received $20 million in gifts to build the planned 50,000 square-foot center. A university trustee and alumni, Jonathan M. Nelson, gave the lead gift with additional gifts from Fredric B. Garonzik, a trustee emeritus and alumni, and an anonymous alumnus who is also a trustee. The new center, called the Nelson Fitness Center, is named after the primary donor. A new center has been a priority for improving campus life at Brown and is expected to be built near existing athletic facilities.
Current fitness facilities include Meehan Auditorium, Pizzitola Sports Center, Olney-Margolies Athletic Center and the Smith Swim Center, but those are primarily used by athletic teams. The university also has three satellite fitness facilities with strength and aerobic conditioning equipment and stretching areas that are meant to complement the larger campus fitness center and offer students another option for exercise during the day.