Residential Life presents Bearcat Co-Rec Challenge

Residential community recreation (co-rec) is a long-cherished tradition at Binghamton University. In past years, it’s been a fall event — usually a football tournament — pitting teams from each building within a community against each other. This spring, thanks to donor support, the scope was expanded so that communities competed against each other for the ultimate Bearcat Co-Rec Challenge championship. In addition to football, teams competed in trivia, tug-of-war, relay races and knockout basketball.

In its mission to promote physical and mental wellness across campus and help students develop connections, Residential Life is beginning major renovations and updates to several co-rec facilities as part of a five-year plan to upgrade every co-rec outdoor space.

This summer, a $2.4 million investment targeting the outdoor recreation areas in Dickinson Community and College-in-the-Woods is beginning with the installation of new turf fields and stadium-style lighting. These updates will improve the student experience in each of these areas and will also address drainage issues, allowing for more frequent use, even in suboptimal weather conditions.

Accessible, covered seating will be installed at each outdoor co-rec field as well, allowing for more students to attend and get involved even without participating directly. The “B-Lounge” seating sections will be built and installed during the beginning of the fall semester, allowing spectators and supporters to cheer on their community teams this fall. B-Lounges will also provide new opportunities for students to spend time together outside, something that students have asked for.

Also this summer, in the Hillside Community and Hinman College, the outdoor basketball courts will be paved and lights will be added. Also in Hillside, the outdoor volleyball court will be improved with new sand.

Residential Life has worked hard to make each community a relaxing place, where students can find peace and serenity outdoors. Hammock posts have been installed in each living community, while Mountainview College will have a hammock stand installed. The hammock stand is designed for multiple hammocks to be hung in a small area, creating a “neighborhood” where students can hang together.