Charles J. Ping Recreation Center

You can sign up online via https://ohio.dserec.com/online/dashboard, in person at the Ping Center front desk, or over the phone by calling 740-593-9901.

Parking: 

• Faculty & Staff: defer to their standard options based on their employment status. $15 monthly Parking Permits are also available: https://www.ohio.edu/transportation-parking/policy/faculty-staff-permits
• Students: defer to their standard options based on their employment status. Monthly Commuter passes will be available during the summer
• Community/Non-University Affiliated: community members purchasing the summer Ping membership will have the option to purchase a parking permit valid in Lot 93 only, outside of the Golf & Tennis Center. The permit is valid from May 8, 2026 through August 14, 2026 and costs $30 with no option for fee proration. Patrons will be required to bring their receipt from membership purchase to the Transportation & Parking Office located at 100 Factory Street if they wish to purchase this parking option. At the time of purchase they will also be required to provide license plate information. Because all summer memberships will be valid for the same time period, no secondary validation is needed as the receipt will show proof of purchase with the individuals name.
• Alternative patron parking options include hourly parking in Lot 87 at $1.50/hour with payment via Parkmobile or the payment kiosk. Dark green and purple lots are also open after 5pm and weekends (unless existing lot reservations) which would provide a no-cost option but with more limited access.

The Charles J. Ping Recreation Center is a 168,000 square foot recreation facility, spanning 3 floors. Ping is home to a free standing, 36-foot tall, double-sided climbing wall, five basketball/volleyball courts, two multipurpose gymnasiums, an elevated four-lane indoor running track, four racquetball courts, one squash court, free weight areas and two group fitness rooms that host aerobic, fitness and dance classes.

ID Access

A strict ID policy is enforced when entering the Charles J. Ping Student Recreation Center. Everyone should be prepared to show their valid OHIO ID (i.e. OHIO student or faculty/staff photo ID, or Community assigned OHIO ID). No one will be permitted into an activity area of the Ping Center without proper ID; this includes students enrolled in activity classes. If a question arises as to the validity of a presented ID card, a second form of ID may be required. Photos of IDs will not be permitted in case an emergency situation should occur.

What To Expect When Visiting The Ping Recreation Center

Ping Center Staff – Ping Center staff members are all CPR/First Aid/AED certified student employees. Staff will always be located at the front desk and can be located around the facility for assistance. Please contact a Ping Center staff member for all medical or facility support. 

Music and Announcements – The Ping Center will have music playing within all areas of the facility.  If the music is too loud during this time, please see the Ping Center staff for accommodations. Announcements may be made periodically during your visit and during closing hours. 

Photography and video – All individuals requesting video or photography must obtain a permit. Permits can be obtained by emailing campusrec@ohio.edu.

Animals and Pets – Animals and pets are not permitted inside the Ping Center. Exceptions include service animals and service dogs in training (4PAWS). For more information, please visit the University Service Animal Information Page. 

Food and Drink – Food and beverage permits are required for all special events. Bottle fillers are available and beverage concessions can be purchased at the front desk.

Payments – The Ping Center is a no cash facility. Accepted form of payments include credit/debit, check, and bobcat cash. 

Equipment – Sport equipment can be checked out at no cost from the front desk with a physical photo ID. ADA compliant equipment includes 4 FreeMotion Dual Cable Cross machines, 1 rope climber, and 2 upper body ergometers. 

RecRe Locker Units – Need gear for your workout? Ping is home to two RecRe smart boxes, located in the Ping Lobby near offices 100L and 100M. RecRe offers free, on-demand access to a rotating selection of equipment, no checkout desk required. Simply browse available inventory, reserve what you need, and pick it up when you're ready. Reserve equipment on demand with RecRe Locker Units.

Accessibility Entrance/Exit – Facility entrance/exit doors are equipped with automatic door opening buttons. Individuals must enter and exit through the front of the Ping Center. CONTROLLED ACCESS WITH PHYSICAL PHOTO ID.

Restrooms & Locker Rooms – Accessible Men’s and Women’s restrooms with baby changing stations and showers located on the first and second floors on the Ping Center. 

Floor/Space Accessibility – There is an elevator located at the front of the facility that goes to all 3 floors. The first floor pods and 2 racquetball courts are accessible via stairs only. Mobility aids are permitted on all surfaces in any space.

Parking – There are 2 nearby parking lot options (Lots 93 & 87). Lot 87 has hourly parking available with payment through a kiosk or ParkMobile as well as a section of commuter spaces. Hourly spaces require payment at all times. Lot 93 and the commuter portion of Lot 87 are available for community parking after 5 p.m. from Monday to Friday, and all day Saturday & Sunday. Valid University permits are required at all other times. Lot 87 is the closest distance to the front entrance of the Ping Center via a concrete sidewalk. Designated motorcycle parking is located on the east side of lot 93. Accessible parking spaces are available in each lot (3 in Lot 87 and 4 in lot 93 closer to Golf and Tennis Center). Please note that lot closures may occur during Ohio University special events. To review a campus parking map, please visit the Athens Campus Parking Map.