Meyer Recreation Barn Gets Major Upgrade
Project is the first among several health and well-being initiatives funded by The Endeavor Foundation
The Meyer Recreation Barn has received a stunning makeover over Field Work Term. The space, which serves as a central hub for fitness and recreation, has been completely transformed by the Buildings & Grounds team with support from The Endeavor Foundation. A fresh new look and upgraded equipment is designed to enhance the user experience.
"We're so happy for all the hard work that was done over winter break to revitalize the gym,” said Xander Holt '18, Assistant Director of Student Engagement who oversees the Bennington Athletic Department and the Meyer Recreation Barn. “The gym is such an important piece of many peoples' daily life and making it a nicer space with better equipment will do wonders for the physical and mental health of our Bennington community."
Bennington College is one of thirteen small liberal arts colleges awarded a $3.275 million grant from The Endeavor Foundation to enhance student mental health and well-being. This funding, part of a multi-year initiative, supports capacity-building efforts and the development of collaborative projects aimed at integrating mental health into the student experience. Bennington used some grant funds for the Meyer Recreation Barn project and will use other funds associated with the grant to strengthen its mental health services and collaborate with other colleges on shared projects, such as curricular initiatives, experiential learning, and expanded support services. The grant represents the first phase of a larger $8.5 million initiative designed to create sustainable, transformative models for student wellness and mental health support, with the goal of benefiting both students and the broader educational community.
One of the most exciting changes to the Meyer Recreation Barn is the addition of state-of-the-art cardio and weightlifting equipment. The Meyer Recreation Barn now features Peloton bikes, equipped with subscriptions for interactive classes, which allow students to engage in guided workouts and track their fitness progress. Other equipment includes traditional and four recumbent bikes, four treadmills, three elliptical machines, a rowing machine, and a stair stepper.
Equipment also includes two squat racks, two functional trainers, two benches with weights, free weights (dumbbells, kettlebells, medicine balls, and weight plates), along with a full circuit of machines dedicated to building strength in target areas. The amount of equipment provides a variety of options for fitness enthusiasts.
Along with the upgraded equipment, the Meyer Recreation Barn has also been freshly painted, and a new floor has been installed throughout the facility. These improvements have already been met with enthusiastic praise from students, who are excited to use the enhanced facilities to stay active and motivated.
“I really do love the changes. There are so many more things here now. It’s exciting,” said Chris Golovina ’25, a visual arts student who has worked at the Meyer Recreation Barn for a few terms. “It feels better when it’s all new and crisp.”
In addition to cardio and weightlifting equipment, the Meyer Recreation Barn houses a climbing wall, a sauna, and showers. Students, faculty, staff, and their immediate family members can use the facility and check out sporting equipment such as basketballs, soccer balls, volleyballs, tennis rackets, and badminton and croquet sets. Classes, such as yoga, boxing, and jiu jitsu, are sometimes held in the facility.
The Meyer Recreation Barn is open 7:00 am-9:00 pm Monday-Friday and 9:00 am-9:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday.