Completed Event: Softball versus Cornell on April 12, 2026 , Win , 15, to, 14
Final
Softball
vs Cornell
15
14
LEWINSTEIN ATHLETIC CENTER SUMMER CLOSURE
This summer, the Lewinstein Athletic Center (LAC) at 16 E. Wheelock Street will undergo a planned closure as part of Dartmouth's campus-wide energy transition, converting from steam to hot water heating and installing new distribution piping. All LAC facilities are scheduled to reopen mid-August 2026.
What's closing and when?
Starting Monday, May 4, 2026: The indoor basketball courts and second-floor track (located in the area of the LAC known as Alumni Gym) will close.
Starting Monday, June 15, 2026: The remainder of the LAC will close, including:
- Zimmerman Fitness Center
- Karl Michael and Spaulding Pools
- All locker rooms
- All offices
What remains open:
- Boss Tennis Center (w/normal summer operating dates)
- Berry Squash Courts
- Davis Varsity House (including the Athletic Training Room)
- Manley Equipment Room (serving varsity student-athletes)
- Outdoor pickleball and tennis courts (Berry & Topliff)
- Outdoor basketball court
- The Sailing Center (recreational paddleboarding and sailing on Lake Mascoma)
Alternative options We know this closure will impact many students, faculty, staff, and community members who rely on these facilities. While we can't fully replicate everything the LAC offers, we are actively developing alternative fitness options and are working on a satellite gym facility. Details will be shared in mid-April.
Dartmouth students will have a full slate of summer physical education offerings, with ample classes available to meet graduation requirements.
Varsity student-athletes and coaches The Manley Equipment Room in the LAC basement will continue providing equipment and laundry services. Varsity student-athletes will be notified of any changes.
Why is this happening? This closure is part of Dartmouth's campus-wide energy transition — modernizing heating and cooling infrastructure by converting from steam to hot water and installing new distribution piping. It's a significant investment in a more efficient, flexible system built to adapt as energy technology evolves. We appreciate your patience through the short-term disruption.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Understanding the Spaces
When people say Alumni Gym, what space are they referring to?
The LAC building was called Alumni Gym for many years before being renamed the Lewinstein Athletic Center following a generous gift from Diana and Stephen Lewinstein '63 P'98.
Today, Alumni Gym refers to a specific space inside the LAC — the area housing the indoor basketball courts and second-floor track. It is only this space that closes on Monday, May 4. The rest of the LAC, including the Zimmerman Fitness Center, pools, and locker rooms, remains open until Monday, June 15.
Below are photos of the interior of the current Alumni Gym for reference:
Closures & Timeline
What is closing and when? Two closures are happening this summer:
- Monday, May 4, 2026: The indoor basketball courts and second-floor track (Alumni Gym) close.
- Monday, June 15, 2026: The remainder of the LAC closes, including the Zimmerman Fitness Center, Karl Michael and Spaulding Pools, all locker rooms, and all offices.
Everything is scheduled to reopen mid-August 2026.
Why is the LAC closing?
The LAC is undergoing energy upgrades as part of Dartmouth's campus-wide initiative to modernize heating and cooling infrastructure by converting buildings from steam to hot water and installing new distribution piping. This work will produce a more efficient, flexible system built to adapt as energy technology evolves.
Why can't the work be phased so the building stays open?
Renovation work on the LAC began in March 2025 and has been conducted in phases to keep the building open as long as possible. The current phase involves installation of new mechanical systems and multiple utility shutdowns affecting power, domestic water, and pool heating, making it impractical to keep the building open during this work.
How is disruption being minimized during the closure?
Alternative fitness solutions are being developed, including temporary outdoor fitness classes and a satellite gym facility. Full details will be available by mid-April.
Facilities & Access
What facilities will remain open all summer?
The following will operate on normal schedules throughout the closure:
- Manley Equipment Room (accessible via outdoor entrance only)
- Berry Squash Courts
- Boss Tennis Center
- Davis Varsity House (including the Athletic Training Room)
- Outdoor pickleball and tennis courts (Berry & Topliff)
- Outdoor basketball court
- The Sailing Center (recreational paddleboarding and sailing on Lake Mascoma)
I'm a varsity student-athlete. Can I still access the Manly Equipment Room?
Yes. The Manley Equipment Room in the LAC basement will remain open throughout the closure, accessible via the outdoor entrance. Signage will direct you.
My office is in the LAC. Where will I work during the closure?
The DCARD facilities team will provide temporary office assignments by mid-April. They will do their best to anticipate everyone’s needs.
Will the Boss Tennis Center be affected?
No, the Boss Tennis Center will be open per its usual schedule.
Memberships & Refunds
I'm a community gym member. Will I receive a refund for the closure period?
Current gym memberships for the 2025–2026 season run through June 30, 2026, meaning the LAC closure affects only the final two weeks of the membership period (June 15–30). During those two weeks, members will retain access to:
- Berry Squash Courts
- Outdoor pickleball and tennis courts (Berry & Topliff)
- Outdoor basketball court
- Temporary satellite gym (details available mid-April)
Refunds will not be issued for 2025–2026 memberships. In recognition of the inconvenience, all current memberships will be extended at no charge through mid-August. The 2026–2027 renewal cycle will begin when the LAC reopens, rather than the standard July 1 start date.
I'm a Dartmouth faculty or staff member with a gym membership as part of my wellness benefit. What are my options?
The health and wellness of our faculty and staff is very important to us. While we cannot prevent the closure of the LAC due to the energy renewal project, we are actively working to develop alternative fitness options, including a satellite gym and outdoor classes, to minimize the disruption. We will provide full details by mid-April and appreciate your patience in the meantime.
For questions about your wellness benefit selection, please contact wellness@dartmouth.edu.
Fitness Classes & PE Requirements
Will fitness classes still be offered during the closure?
Yes. We will have more information in mid-April.
Will the closure affect Dartmouth students' ability to fulfill PE graduation requirements?
No. Ample classes and spaces will be available to fulfill all physical education graduation requirements. Offerings may differ from prior summers, but there will be sufficient options to accommodate all students. PE courses will appear in the regular course registration system.
Contacts
I have more questions. Who can I contact?
For any construction-related questions please email the Dartmouth Project Management team at Project.Management@dartmouth.edu.
For questions or concerns related to your gym membership as part of your wellness benefit selection, please email wellness@dartmouth.edu.
For all other questions, please email LACclosure@dartmouth.edu.
