McHale Athletic Center

- 169 S Main St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701

Introduction / Overview

The McHale Athletic Center, located at Wilkes University in the heart of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, stands as a central pillar of the region's athletic and community life. As part of the Simms Center on Main, this facility is more than just a place for exercise; it's a dynamic hub for sports, student activities, and community events. For residents of Luzerne County and the wider Wyoming Valley, the McHale Athletic Center represents a valuable local resource, providing a space for both collegiate-level athletics and personal fitness pursuits. Completed in 2006, the center was designed to be a state-of-the-art facility, offering a wide array of amenities to support a healthy and active lifestyle. Its purpose extends beyond serving just the university's varsity teams; it also hosts intramural sports, community events, and leadership and team-building exercises. While it is a modern and functional space, like any public facility, it has specific characteristics that are important for potential visitors to be aware of. The center's reputation is built on its robust offerings and its role as a key venue for a variety of gatherings, including major university events like commencement ceremonies. For local fitness enthusiasts, it’s a noteworthy option to consider, offering a distinct set of features that differ from a traditional commercial gym.

Location and Accessibility

Situated at 169 S Main St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701, the McHale Athletic Center enjoys a prime location that is easily accessible for both university students and the broader public. Its downtown Wilkes-Barre address places it within a vibrant area, close to other local businesses and cultural points of interest. This central location makes it a convenient stop for anyone living or working in the city and its surrounding municipalities. The facility is committed to being an inclusive space, with several key accessibility features. These include a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that all visitors can enter and exit the building with ease. For those arriving by car, the parking lot provides designated wheelchair-accessible parking spaces, offering convenience and a smooth transition from vehicle to facility. Furthermore, the restrooms are also wheelchair accessible, which is a crucial consideration for anyone with mobility needs. While the accessibility features are well-regarded, visitors should be mindful of the overall campus and downtown setting. Navigation to and around the facility is straightforward, making it a practical choice for anyone seeking a workout or attending an event in the area. The ease of access from major roadways and its proximity to other city landmarks enhances its appeal as a local hub.

Services Offered

The McHale Athletic Center provides a comprehensive set of services and spaces for a variety of athletic activities. The facility is equipped to support multiple sports and training disciplines. Key services and offerings include:

• Three Basketball Courts: These courts are versatile and can be configured for basketball, volleyball, or tennis, accommodating a wide range of popular court sports.
• Two-Lane Track: A dedicated two-lane track is available for jogging, running, and walking, providing a safe and consistent surface for cardiovascular exercise.
• Climbing Wall and High Ropes Course: The center features a climbing wall and high ropes course, which are utilized for a variety of purposes, including leadership and team-building exercises.
• Locker Rooms: Secure and private locker room facilities are available for members and visitors to change and store their belongings.
• Athletic Training Room: The center includes a professional athletic training room, a vital resource for student-athletes and teams utilizing the facility.
• Hosting of Events: The McHale Athletic Center is a multi-purpose venue, regularly hosting a variety of campus events, including intramural sports, varsity athletics, and even commencement ceremonies.

Features / Highlights

The McHale Athletic Center stands out for its specific features, which are tailored to its role as a university athletic facility. These highlights distinguish it from a typical commercial gym and are worth noting for prospective users.

• Multi-Sport Functionality: The ability to host multiple sports within the same space—from basketball and volleyball to tennis—makes the center highly versatile and a cornerstone of the university’s athletic programs.
• Specialized Training Features: The inclusion of a climbing wall and high ropes course is a unique highlight, offering opportunities for specialized training and team-building that are not commonly found in other fitness centers in the area. This makes the center particularly appealing for group activities and unique fitness challenges.
• Central Role in Campus and Community Life: The center is more than just a training facility; it is a key gathering place for the Wilkes University community and a venue for important public events, which adds to its significance in the region.
• Modern Construction: Completed in 2006, the facility is relatively modern, offering up-to-date amenities and a well-designed layout for athletic purposes. It represents a significant investment in the university's sports and wellness infrastructure.
• On-site Amenities: The availability of restrooms and locker rooms, while standard, is essential for a positive user experience, ensuring that participants have the necessary facilities for comfort and convenience.

Contact Information

The McHale Athletic Center is a part of Wilkes University, and its general information can be found through the university's main directory. The physical address is 169 S Main St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701, USA. For inquiries regarding the athletic department and specific facilities, the Athletics Office can be reached at (570) 675-9262. It's important to note that access and usage of the athletic center are typically managed through the university's athletic department or specific facility request processes, so calling ahead for details on public access or event scheduling is recommended. For general university-related questions, the main campus number is (570) 675-2171.

What is worth choosing

The McHale Athletic Center is a compelling choice for those in the Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania area who are interested in a facility with a strong focus on sports and community athletics. It is particularly well-suited for individuals and groups looking for dedicated courts for basketball, volleyball, or tennis, or for those interested in unique activities like climbing. What makes this center a noteworthy option is its role as a multi-purpose venue that supports a wide range of activities beyond traditional gym workouts. It's an excellent location for students, athletes, and community members who enjoy team sports and large-scale events. However, it's also important to consider the user feedback. Some reviews have mentioned poor lighting and very little seating, which are factors to take into account if you plan on visiting, particularly for spectating or if you prefer a well-lit, more lounge-like environment. Despite these specific points, the facility's strengths lie in its dedicated athletic spaces, its modern design, and its overall contribution to the local sports scene. Its accessibility features—including the wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking, and restrooms—ensure that it can serve a broad audience. For those seeking a place to train for team sports, practice on an indoor track, or engage in a unique fitness challenge like rock climbing, the McHale Athletic Center offers a valuable and distinct alternative to a standard fitness club. It's a place that embodies the spirit of community athletics and serves as a vital resource for health and wellness in the region.

McHale Athletic Center

169 S Main St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701, USA