The Raymond B. Preston & Activities Center on Western Kentucky University's
campus, offers students, faculty, and staff one of the finest campus recreation facilities in the country. Constructed
in 1992, the Preston Center added a new dimension to recreational activities, intramural-sports, and open recreation for
the university community. Components of the Preston Center include a weight room, fitness room, gymnasium, dance studio,
racquetball courts, swimming pool, a pro-shop, the Outdoor Recreation & Adventure Center, a Health & Fitness Lab, and
many other features.Check out our new *Expansion Plans*
Please click here to view Finals Week hours of operation.
Please click here to view Holiday Break (December 15th - January 4th) hours of operation.
The racquetball courts will be closed Dec 1, 2008 - Jan 25, 2009.
The Fitness Room will be closed November 20, 2008 until the completion of construction. Please check the availability of the weight room during this time. We appreciate your cooperation throughout our expansion project.
Forms
General Information
Services
Raymond B. Preston is the founder of PB & S Chemical which has become the 10th largest chemical distributor in the United States. Although he sold the company to a West German firm in 1989, he remains a member of the board of directors. The Johnson County native graduated from Western in 1940. He worked with the DuPont Company for two years before joining the Navy and serving during World War II. After a stint with Allied Chemical, Preston founded PB & S Chemical in Henderson, KY. He is the past president of the National Association of Chemical Distributors, Southeastern Chemical Distributors, Henderson Chamber of Commerce and Henderson Country Club; past member of the Henderson Community College Board of Trustees and Community Methodist Hospital Board of Directors, and served as chairman of the Henderson City County Air Board for 26 years.
Preston has been active at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, having served as chairman of the Building and Calling committees and as senior warden. He is board chairman of Ohio Valley National Bank and Adams Street Development Corp., on the board of directors for the Louisville Orchestra and WNIN-TV, a public television station, and a member of the WKU Board of Regents and the Henderson County Foundation for Educational Excellence. Past honors include being named Distributor of the Year by the National Association of Chemical Distributors and Boss of the Year by the Aydubon Chapter, National Secretaries Association. Preston and his wife, Hattie, met while they were both attending Western and were married two years later. In honor of their 50th anniversary, the Prestons and Preston family Foundation made the largest single gift ever made to WKU, enabling construction to begin on the $10 million Raymond B. Preston Health & Activities Center. In making the gift, Preston said: "We could think of nothing better than to return something to Western on our 50th wedding anniversary. The things we learned here have served us well."
Towel Service
Towel service is available to students, PHAC members, and their guest(s) at the Control Desk on the lower level. A Big Red ID must be left with the desk attendant in exchange for towels. Big Red Cards will be returned when the towel is returned.
Equipment Checkout
The PHAC provides equipment for recreational use in the facility. Equipment is available at the Control Desk. A Big Red ID must be left with the desk attendant in exchange for equipment. Equipment is checked out in good, working condition and is to be returned in the same condition. Any damage will be evaluated by the building supervisor on duty and if need be an administrative hold may be placed on the ID used to checkout the item. The following equipment is available at the front desk:
- Basketballs
- Volleyballs
- Weight Belts
- Towels
- Racquetballs
- Wallyballs
- Eye Guards/Goggles
- Jump Ropes
Daily Lockers
Lockers designated as Daily Use are for one day use and all locks and items must be removed at the end of the day.
Locks left on daily lockers and items left in lockers will be removed at the end of the day. Confiscated items will be kept for one semester. Unclaimed items will be donated to charity at the end of the semester. Claims must be made in person to the Facility Supervisor, Monday through Friday during regular operational hours.
Key Locker Policies & Procedures
Key operated lockers are available outside of the weight room. Keys are issued, at no charge, at the Control Desk by leaving your ID with the Attendant.
Items left in lockers overnight will be removed.
Patrons are responsible for locker keys. Loss of key will result in a charge for a new key.
Mini-check lockers are meant to be used for small item storage, such as wallets, ID's, cellular phones, etc.
Please do not leave items unattended. IM-REC Sports strongly encourages the use of key lockers or the daily use lockers in the locker rooms. PLAY IT SAFE – LOCK IT UP!
Safety pins (attached to locker key) are available for key locker usage to help you keep up with your key during your usage of the facility.
Please ask the Control Desk or Weight Room Attendant if you need instructions on how to use the lockers.
Coin Lockers
Coin lockers are available near the pool entrance adjacent to the gymnasium. These lockers cost $0.25. The Intramural-Recreational Sports Department is not responsible for items in these lockers.
Student Locker Rentals
- The locker rental fee is $10 per rental period. Rental periods are Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.
- The locker rental fee can be paid via check, money order, or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, and Discover).
- The Department of Intramural-Recreational Sports is not responsible for items in the locker during the rental period.
- The Department of Intramural-Recreational Sports issues a lock with each rented locker. Failure to return that lock will result in a $10 replacement charge. Personal locks may be used.
- The renewal period will run during the last 30 days of the current rental period.
- Failure to return the renewal agreement by the imposed deadline will result in a loss of locker space. Renewal forms (which will be sent by mail and placed in rented lockers), along with the rental fee, must be postmarked or received by the last day of the rental period.
- Items left in un-renewed lockers will be confiscated on the first business day after the expiration of the rental period.
- Confiscated items will be kept for four months. Unclaimed items will be donated to charity at the end of the four-month period. Claims must be made in person to the Preston Center Facility Supervisor on duty, Monday - Friday, between the hours of 8:00am - 6:00pm.
- Advertising or sub-leasing of lockers is prohibited.
- In the event of lost Preston Center privileges, locker space and fees paid will be forfeited. This includes, but is not limited to, facility suspension, invalid ID, membership drop, etc. No refunds or pro-rating are available.
- Locker occupants are responsible for notifying the Department of Intramural-Recreational Sports of any address or telephone changes.
Faculty/Staff Locker Rentals
- The locker rental fee is $40 annually or $20 for a semi-annual rental. Rental periods are from August 1 - January 31 and February 1 - July 31.
- The locker rental fee can be paid via check, money order, or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, and Discover).
- The Department of Intramural-Recreational Sports is not responsible for items in the locker during the rental period.
- The Department of Intramural-Recreational Sports issues a lock with each rented locker. Failure to return that lock will result in a $10 replacement charge. Personal locks may be used.
- The renewal period will run during the last 30 days of the current rental period.
- Failure to return the renewal agreement by the imposed deadline will result in a loss of locker space. Renewal forms (which will be sent by mail and placed in rented lockers), along with the rental fee, must be postmarked or received by the last day of the rental period.
- Items left in un-renewed lockers will be confiscated on the first business day after the expiration of the rental period.
- Confiscated items will be kept for four months. Unclaimed items will be donated to charity at the end of the four-month period. Claims must be made in person to the Preston Center Facility Supervisor on duty, Monday - Friday, between the hours of 8:00am - 6:00pm.
- Advertising or sub-leasing of lockers is prohibited.
- In the event of lost Preston Center privileges, locker space and fees paid will be forfeited. This includes, but is not limited to, facility suspension, invalid ID, membership drop, etc. No refunds or pro-rating are available.
- Locker occupants are responsible for notifying the Department of Intramural-Recreational Sports of any address or telephone changes.
Directions
From North on I-65
Take I-65 south to Bowling Green exit #28. Take US 31-W south, which becomes US 68/80. US 68/80 becomes University Blvd. Continue until you reach Normal Drive. Turn left onto Normal Drive. Turn left at the first light into the Preston Center/Tate Page Hall parking lot.From Cumberland Parkway
Get onto I-65 South toward Nashville. Take first Bowling Green exit (#28) by Corvette Museum. Take left onto Louisville Road which becomes University Blvd. Continue until you reach Normal Drive. Turn left at the first light into the Preston Center/Tate Page Hall parking lot.From South on I-65
Take I-65 north to Bowling Green exit #20, William H. Natcher Parkway. From the parkway, take exit #5 to US 68/80. Turn right off the exit ramp toward Bowling Green. Go approximately two miles and turn right onto University Blvd. Continue to the next light and turn left onto Normal Drive. At the next light, turn left into the Preston Center/Tate Page Hall parking lot.From William H. Natcher Parkway
Take the first Bowling Green exit off the parkway, turning right off the exit ramp toward Bowling Green. Continue on US 231 until intersecting with US 68/80 (the road stops at a light and you must turn right or left). Turn left onto Russellville Road. At the next light, turn right onto University Blvd. Continue to the next light and turn left onto Normal Drive. At the next light, turn left into the Preston Center/Tate Page Hall parking lot.Parking
The Preston Center is located on the southern end of the main WKU campus in Bowling Green. Daily parking passes for off-campus visitors are available from Parking and Transportation 270.745.2361.
Loading Zones
The loading dock is located on the south side of the building. Any loading or unloading should be scheduled through the Assistant Director, Facilities (270-745-6060).
Accessibility
The Preston Center is accessible for every individual on campus. All areas of the facility are wheelchair accessible, including the swimming pool with a hydraulic lift. The weight room contains a Badger Magnum Advantage Selectorized Multi-Station weight machine which allows patrons free access to four weight stacks to provide over 20 different exercise patterns working every upper body muscle group. The weight room also offers a wheelchair roller trainer for physically-challenged athletes and their personal wheelchairs. All four locker rooms are complete with dressing benches and showers equipped with shower seats to accommodate disabled patrons.
Student Membership Information
(Fall & Spring Semesters)
- Full-time students are automatically Preston Center members when tuition is paid.
- Part-time undergraduate and graduate students (with 3 credit hours or more) have the option to purchase a membership for $30.00 per semester. Part-time students can purchase a Preston Center membership at Potter Hall, Room 208.
- Student spouse memberships are available for $30.00 per semester. Students are eligible to get children's memberships at $30 a semester. These memberships can be paid for at Potter Hall, Room 208.
Full-Time Faculty/Staff Membership Information
Salary levels:
- <$17,499: $99.00 yearly (biweekly: $3.81, semi-monthly: $4.13, monthly: $8.25)
- $17,500-$44,999: $165 yearly (biweekly: 6.35, semi-monthly: 6.88, monthly:13.75)
- >$45,000: $216.00 yearly (biweekly: $8.31, semi-monthly: $9.00, monthly: $18.00)
Full time faculty/staff spouse and children:
- The fee for a spouse will be the same as that paid by the faculty/staff member.
- Spouse/children memberships are available without Faculty/Staff membership, permitting the child is 14 or older.
- An adult member must accompany children under 14 at all times.
- Children (5 years and over) will be $45.00 per child per year.
- Only dependent children and grandchildren (21 years and under) are eligible for membership.
Full-time faculty/staff have the option of payroll deductions or a yearly lump-sum payment in advance.
- For payroll deduction, you must register at the Intramural-Recreational Sports Office, located at 203 Preston Center.
- One-year lump-sum payment can be made at the Intramural-Recreational Sports Office, located at 203 Preston Center.
Part-time Faculty/Staff Membership Information
- Part-time faculty/staff membership is $60 per semester or $120 per academic year (summer membership may be purchased separately). This fee must be paid in full at the time of application. (No pro-rating is available)
- Spouse memberships are available at $60 per semester or $120 per academic year (summer membership may be purchased separately). This fee must be paid in full at the time of application. (No pro-rating is available).
- Children memberships are available for $45 annually (per child).
- Part-time faculty/staff memberships are available during the summer for $30. Spouse memberships are also available during the summer for $30.
- Membership application as well as payment (by check or money order only) can be made at the Intramural-Recreational Sports Office located at 203 Preston Center. New members who do not have a Big Red Card, must go to the ID Center (DUC 126) after application, where an ID card will be made for $5. You must have a valid Big Red Card for entry to the Preston Center.
- Part-time faculty/staff are ineligible for payroll deduction. Payment methods include: cash, check, money order, or credit card (Discover, MasterCard, Visa).
Retiree Membership Information
- Retired faculty/staff membership fee is $100.00 per year. Spouse memberships are available for the same rate, provided the spouse is not a WKU employee. Membership for children/grandchildren are available for $45 annually per child.
- Membership application as well as payment (by check, money order, or credit card) can be made at the Intramural-Recreational Sports Office located at 54a Preston Center. New members who do not have a Big Red Card, must go to the ID Center (DUC 126) after application, where a card will be made. You must have a Big Red Card for entry to the Preston Center. *Retirees who are enrolled in class will not have the option of paying the student rate.
Cherry Society Membership Information
Members of the WKU Cherry Society are eligible for Preston Center membership for $300 per year. Family memberships (spouse and children/grandchildren) are available for $600 per year. Must meet requirements. For more information on the Cherry Society, please visit the Investing in the Spirit web site.
Alumni Membership Information
- Alumni Association members sign up for Preston Center membership at the Intramural-Recreational Sports office in the Preston Center.
- A current Alumni Association card will be needed when signing up for a Preston Center membership. Individuals that are not current Alumni Association members will be referred to the Alumni Relations Office.
- Alumni members will complete a Preston Center membership application. The membership fee ($150 for individuals, $300 for family) will be due at the time of application. Family membership is defined as spouse and children 21 and under). Payment can be made in the form of check, money order, or credit card and must be made in full at time of application. Membership is good for one year.
- An ID referral form will be issued to the Alumni Preston Center member to be taken to the ID Center (1st Floor DUC). A special Alumni ID will be issued to the new Preston Center member. This ID will be required for entry into the Preston Center.
- WKU Alumni Association members with an Associates, Bachelors, Masters, or Doctorate Degree from WKU are eligible for Preston Center membership.
- Alumni Preston Center members can utilize the facility during regular operational hours.
- Alumni Preston Center members can bring guests to use the facility for a $5 fee per person.
Summer Membership Information
Extended family members of all Preston Center members are eligible to join for the summer at a cost of $30 per family member. "Buddy" memberships are also available to non-family or non-extended family members for $50 a summer. The limit is three extended family/buddy members per Preston Center member.
Other Membership Information
- Faculty/Staff, Alumni, Cherry Society, and Retirees who are enrolled in class will not have the option of paying the student rate. They must pay the fee according to the appropriate tier or fee.
- Membership application as well as payment (by check, money order, or credit card) can be made at the Intramural-Recreational Sports Office located on the second floor of the Preston Center.
- New members who do not have a Big Red Card, will be referred to the ID Center (DUC 126) after application, where an ID Card will be issued for $5. Members must have a valid Big Red Card for entry into the Preston Center.
Special Memberships
Please contact the Intramural-Recreational Sports Office at 270.745.6060 for more information on the following memberships:
- AHEC Students
- Exchange Students
- Full Time (On-Campus) Contractors (Includes: Service One Credit Union, Aramark, N-Style, Sodexho)
- KAPS Program Participants
- ROTC
- Visiting Scholars
- Campus Minister Staff (must be on approved list)
Guest Passes
- Guest passes cost $5 per guest, per day.
- Adult members may purchase guest passes for non-members.
- The guest pass is not transferable.
- Each pass is valid for one operational day.
- A member and their guest may return during the same business day with their receipt and photo ID.
- Dependent children, under the age of 16, holding memberships are not eligible to purchase guest passes.
- The sponsoring member must accompany guests. All sponsoring members and their guest(s), 16 and over, must provide a photo I.D. which will be kept for the duration of their visit.
- A member may sponsor no more than two guests at one time.
- Individuals may enter the facility as a guest no more than five times per semester.
Group Passes (Summer Only)
University-sponsored groups may request approval for daily guest passes during the summer that allow for access to the pool, gym, track, and weight room (for those 14 years and older). These passes are available for five dollars per person/per day and will allow groups to use the facility during regular operational hours. Guests may return throughout the day with their receipts. Requests should be received at least two weeks prior to the anticipated arrival date of the group. Guest passes may be paid at the time of the visit or through inter-account billing by the sponsoring university department.
ID Guidelines
- The Big Red ID Card is the property of Western Kentucky University and must be presented upon request by a staff person to establish official University identification.
- It is considered misconduct and punishable by the university by refusing to provide proper identification upon request. Students are expected to carry their Big Red ID at all times.
- A valid, activated Big Red ID must be presented to enter the Preston Center.
- The following persons are not required to present an ID upon entering the facility: Health & Fitness Lab professional staff*, Intramural-Recreational Sports professional staff and part-time administrators*, Preston Center student facility staff
when scheduled to work (dressed in staff uniform), Physical Education instructors during scheduled class hours, spectators for special events, Western Kentucky University swim and diving coaches during practices and meets*, persons delievering
packages or mail, and Facilities Management employees on work detail.
- (*Photos must be posted on the special admission board at the control desk)
- Visitors without a valid and activated Big Red Card must wait at the turnstiles until an Intramural-Recreational Sports or Health & Fitness Lab staff member is notified and authorizes their visit. If the individual they wish to visit is not available, the visitor may leave a message at the Control Desk, but may not enter through the turnstile.
- Prospective members must also stop at the front desk while the Control Desk employees call upstairs for clearance.
- Individual tour groups must be authorized, unless they are accompanied by a university representative. The Preston Center manager on duty will offer a tour to each group or clear them to tour on their own.
- Individuals attending classes must be admitted by their instructor if they do not have their ID. Part-time students and non-members must present an ID, however it does not have to be activated for admittance.
- If an individual who has already been cleared to enter wishes to temporarily exit the facility (i.e. to exercise outside), they must leave their ID at the Control Desk where it will be attached to an "outside" card and filed until their return.
- Sport Club sponsors and Fitness/Instructional Programs instructors without ID cards will have their names and social security numbers posted on the Special Admission sheet located at the Control Desk. They must have a picture ID for admission.
- Varsity athletic coaches may not supervise athletes unless it is a practice scheduled through the facility manager.
- In the event that an athletic event or practice is being held in the Preston Center, all athletes must produce a valid Big Red ID Card. No exception. Varsity teams must enter with their coaches.
Card Confiscation
- Any parties involved in the improper use of the Big Red ID Card will be subject to immediate confiscation and suspension of Preston Center privileges.
- The following are examples of improper use of an ID: using another person's ID, knowingly providing false information, impersonating another person.
- Any card confiscated on the weekend will be kept until the owner of the card makes an appointment to see the Facility Manager the following week during business hours.
- If the person has a meal plan and must have the card to eat, the supervisor on duty will explain that the card will be deactivated on Monday and that he/she must see the Facility Manager on Monday.
