The Brock Sports & Recreation Center at Randolph-Macon College now boasts a new addition: The Birdcage Outdoor Wellness Area, a 5,100-square foot outdoor facility that is available for use to all RMC community members. The facility is located adjacent to the swimming pool on the southwest side of the Brock Center.

Top-Notch Facility + Generous Donors
Featuring free weights, dumbbells, benches, power racks, an eight-seater hot tub, lounge chairs, tables and umbrellas, construction of the Birdcage was made possible by the generosity of current students, staff, alumni, parents, and the Birdsong Corporation, which provided the lead gift to get the project off the ground.

The fundraising efforts of seniors Benton Wentz and Joe Vaughn were instrumental to the completion of the Birdcage and, as a result, the space is named in honor of Wentz’s grandmother, Sue B. Birdsong, and Vaughn’s mother, Julie M. Vaughn.

A Unique Outdoor Space
Bill Blackmore, director of Recreation and Wellness for the Brock Sports & Recreation Center, says the Birdcage is a welcome addition to the campus. He notes that the hot tub is especially popular when the weather is cold, and that the Birdcage is also used for fitness classes.

“This is a unique outdoor space that provides multiple uses that students, faculty, staff and alumni have taken advantage of throughout the year regardless of the weather,” says Blackmore. “Students have been asking me for years for an outdoor space to work out, and for a hot tub. For this to come to fruition is very exciting. It is a dream come true thanks to the generosity of alumni and friends of the college.”

Sunny and Energizing
Brianne Habit ’19 (communication studies and political science major) enjoys using the machines and free weights in the Birdcage.

“This is time I’m able to spend with friends outside,” she says. “I expect I’ll be spending even more time in the Birdcage as the weather gets warmer. Being able to work out and be in the sun is a welcome break from classes and other indoor activities. The Birdcage is unique and energizing.” Corbitt Grow ’19 (political science and Spanish major) especially likes the hot tub.

“When it’s cold outside, I love coming out to the hot tub to relax, especially when it snows,” he says. “I like having the opportunity to work out in the fresh air. The Birdcage is a ‘one-stop shop’ where I can work out and enjoy the sun.”

As Randolph-Macon students increasingly embrace wellness and fitness as an important routine in their daily lives, the Birdcage helps to promote a healthy lifestyle while providing vibrant and safe social spaces in which students can interact and extend their learning beyond the classroom.