Dixon Recreation Center — Local services in Corvallis

Dixon Recreation Center, nestled within the premises of Oregon State University (OSU), stands as a sanctuary for fitness enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and those looking to foster community connections. This expansive facility is a cornerstone of the university, offering an array of activities and amenities that cater to a broad spectrum of interests and fitness goals.

Membership at Dixon opens the doors to a rich array of fitness facilities and wellness programs. With two cardio rooms, two weight rooms, two gyms, six racquetball courts, three squash courts, three multipurpose rooms, a 42-foot-tall climbing wall, a one-tenth of a mile indoor track, a 25-yard pool, a dive well, a hot tub, three sand volleyball courts, and the Adventure Leadership Institute, the center is a realm of endless possibilities.

The diversity of facilities allows members to explore various workout regimes, engage in competitive sports, or even embark on adventure activities.

The ethos of Dixon transcends the physical realm. It's about building a community that actively pursues happiness and well-being. Whether you're aiming to become a certified mountaineer, a Zumba expert, or the star quarterback of your Intramural Football Team, Dixon provides the resources and the environment to nurture these aspirations

Beyond structured activities, the center hosts numerous Intramural Sports and Sport Clubs, offering a perfect balance of community and competition. It's not just about breaking a sweat but forming bonds, learning teamwork, and enjoying the spirit of friendly competition

The Adventure Leadership Institute™ (ALI) at Dixon is a novel feature that sets it apart. Imagine a classroom without walls, where you can learn canyoneering, rafting, or ice climbing. For those looking to add a dash of adventure to their routine, the ALI is a gateway to new experiences

Moreover, with the ongoing developments, the Sand Volleyball Courts and multiple program spaces are under construction to enhance the offerings at Dixon, indicating a continual effort to better serve the OSU community

The Dixon Recreation Center, with its vast array of facilities, engaging programs, and a community-centric approach, stands as a beacon of holistic wellness and an integral part of the OSU experience. Whether you're a fitness aficionado, an adventure junkie, or someone looking to make new friends over a game of volleyball, Dixon is the...

Speaking strictly of the weightlifting part of Dixon - it's not bad. In short, the equipment is new and in good shape, but the gym is severely undersized, and lacking a good range of equipment. You'll find yourself pacing around looking for a bench, or a rack. I often end up doing standing exercises, because standing space is all that's left in the dumbbell area. I've seen crowds hover for the chance at getting a power rack, or lines form for several machines, such as the one and only seated cable row, or one of two lat pulldown machines. Personally, no matter how nice the equipment is, if it's too crowded to use any of it, it might as well not be there. Dropping a weight isn't as much of a safety concern as it is getting smacked in the face by the guy standing next to you. However, all that said, it's still not a bad place to lift. They provide lifting and dip belts behind the counter. The plates are round, not hexagonal. The machines might not be lubricated often, but they're in the very least in working order. If you find a bench in the dumbbell area, most of them are adjustable from a decline, to upright. All the plates and DB's are rubber coated, which I usually don't prefer, but in a gym like this, does substantially help keep the noise level tolerable. It's got great hours - especially for the average student, a large locker room that's always got open lockers (as well as rentable ones), classes, personal trainers and nutritionists available. I have little to no input on Dixon's other amenities, other than that they also offer a pool, rock climbing area, several basketball and racquetball courts, a men's and women's sauna, cardio machine rooms, and multiple classes - all of which seem just as popular as weightlifting aforementioned. However, everything said, it could severely use...

Top notch gym and the best in town. Been a regular here for the past 6 years and it's been my favorite place to be. Overall atmosphere is incredible and staff are amazing people. When you wrap it with McAlexander Fieldhouse, the sports complex outside and the ALI Outdoor Adventure services the package is almost unbeatable.

To be totally honest it's closer to 4 stars because a few Important things could be better to really earn a 5. Showers need some more private stalls in the men's locker room. One ADA private stall doesn't cut it especially when a lot of the time the shower head is not functioning properly, and because so many people leave sweaty because they don't feel comfortable showering in the open. Crazy that this was not addressed during the recent locker refresh.

Also would appreciate better notifications for closures and special hours, specifically to Instagram and Facebook pages and Google if possible.

There are a few pieces of equipment that are not well stocked and in bad shape when I do find them, specifically foam pads for the squat bars.

Would also recommend extending weekday summer hours from 8pm to 9PM due to high demand, and keeping the blinds open in the late evening when the sun is less intense because the sky and scenery is beautiful at that time.

To wrap up, best gym I've ever trained at. Exceptional value even for alumni membership...