Mizzou Rec’s new outdoor fitness space had a grand opening Wednesday, but Mizzou Rec director Stephen Byrd said students have used it heavily since the start of the semester.

The area at the University of Missouri replaces an outdoor pool that was under-used, even when weather allowed it to be open.

The addition of heaters, sun shades and fans was welcome, said Miyah Jones, Missouri Students Association president.

Student voices shaped the project, Byrd said.

Features of the outdoor space include a turf field, eight racks of free weights for weight training, a multifunctional pull-up and triceps accessory, a tire-flipping machine and an Olympic weightlifting platform.

“Since we opened on the first day, they’ve been here pretty extensive, pretty heavy,” Byrd said of students in the space.

Funding came from capital reserves, Byrd said. Final numbers aren’t available, but Byrd said it will be completed under the $2.3 million budget.

Truman, the MU mascot, and the Columbia Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors participated in the grand opening.

Roger McKinney is the Tribune’s education reporter. You can reach him at [email protected] or 573-815-1719. He’s on X at @rmckinney9.