The document evaluates the recreation facilities at the University of New Hampshire using the Physical Activity Campus Environmental Supports (PACES) audit. Researchers conducted extensive training and then visited the Hamel Recreation Center and Swasey Indoor Pool, assessing amenities, equipment availability, and staff competency. They found that both facilities provided a variety of options to be physically active in a clean, safe environment. However, the audit was limited in evaluating the pool. Future evaluations using an aquatic-specific tool could improve assessments of recreation facilities as renovations are completed.

1. Evaluating the Adequacy and Accessibility of Recreation Facilities at UNH
Purpose
Methods
• PACES audit items included amenities, proximity, staff competency, equipment, hours
of operation, and more
• Research assistants completed extensive training prior to data collection that
included reading of manual, watching a training video, and completing an online quiz
• Hamel Recreation Center and Swasey Indoor Pool were selected for final evaluation
• Data collection involved utilization of the facilities’ websites, visiting the venues, and
interacting with the staff
• Assessing the equipment availability was done on a weekday in February at 4pm,
which is a high traffic time at the gym
• The audit conducted at UNH was also
completed by thirteen college campuses in the United States (Figure 1)
Introduction
The purpose of this project was to evaluate the adequacy and accessibility of the
recreation facilities and programs offered at UNH via the Physical Activity Campus
Environmental Supports (PACES) Audit, one component of Syracuse University’s HCEA.
Physical inactivity is one of the modifiable lifestyle choices that puts people at risk for
heart disease.1 Available recreation facilities and programs could increase the physical
activity of a community. The usage of these facilities is likely impacted by the quality,
location, hours, and availability of resources.
Syracuse University’s Healthy Campus Environmental Audit (HCEA) has been developed
to comprehensively evaluate the health-related offerings in a community. UNH is home
to over 12,000 undergraduate students in which 58% live on campus.2 Does UNH’s
recreation facilities support and promote student health?
Acknowledgements
• Tanya M. Horacek, PhD, RD Professor. Department of Public Health, Food Studies and Nutrition, Syracuse University
• HCEA Team Members: Akaylah Glidden, Mary Hammar, Brenna Robinson, Emily Villeneuve
Available Aerobic Equipment at High Traffic Time
Caroline Connors, Valerie Nesom, and Jesse Stabile Morrell, Nutrition Program, Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences
University of New Hampshire, Durham NH, USA
Major Findings & Future Directions
• Campus Recreation provides UNH with a variety of ways to be physically active in a
clean and safe environment
• The audit was a useful tool to evaluate the Hamel Recreation Center but was
limited in assessing the Swasey Pool
• Developing an audit tool specific to aquatic facilities may improve the assessment
• Findings from the PACES audit will be added to the comprehensive Healthy Campus
Environmental Audit at UNH. Evaluation of the campus’ dining, convenience stores,
vending, and walkability will aid in our assessment of UNH’s healthfulness
• Given the anticipated renovations at the Hamel Recreation Center and UNH Field
House, a future evaluation via the PACES audit will help to characterize the
anticipated improvements to the recreation environment at UNH
Amenity Hamel Rec. Center Swasey Pool
Locker Room ✓ ✓
Lockers outside locker rm.
Showers ✓ ✓
Hand Towels ✓
Televisions ✓ N/A
Reading Material ✓ N/A
Hand Sanitizer ✓
Music ✓
Disinfectant Spray ✓ N/A
Drinking fountain ✓
• Aquatics
• Group Exercise
• Intramurals
• Outdoor Adventures
• Special Events
• Sports Clubs
Services and Programs Offered
• Equipment Check Out
• Outdoor Equipment Rental
• Locker Rental
• Instructional Classes/Certifications
• Personal Training
• Athletic Training
• Membership
Results
References
1. www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm
2. colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/university-of-new-hampshire-2589
3. campusrec.unh.edu/about
4. campusrec.unh.edu/swasey-indoor-pool
Amenities Offered at Recreation Facilities
Hamel Recreation Center
Swasey Indoor Pool
Figure 1
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
Treadmills Bikes Ellipticals Stair
Climbers
Row
Machines
Ergometers
#ofMachines
Available Machines at 4pm
Total # Machines