Outside photo of the R. Richard Bittner Athletic and Recreation Center.

R. Richard Bittner Athletic & Recreation Center

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Stay fit and healthy without needing to leave campus

The R. Richard Bittner Athletic & Recreation Center is a 46,000 square-foot, leading-edge fitness facility on the main campus that opened in 2017. It features two athletic courts, a three-lane track, cardio equipment equipped with internet and Preva, athletic equipment including free weights, resistance machines and functional fitness equipment, and a digital fitness room where users can select from on-demand fitness programming.

Hours and Access

The Bittner Center is open to all Palmer students, faculty, staff, their spouses and their children between the age of 16 and 26. Student spouses may use the Bittner Center and participate in recreational activities at no cost. Children under 16 aren’t permitted in the facility. Retired faculty and their spouses also are welcome to use the Bittner Center.

All users will be required to scan their Palmer ID badge at the main desk, located on the Bittner Center lower level. To obtain a Palmer ID badge, spouses, children, and retired faculty members must fill out a request form and have a photo taken in Student Services, located on the 3rd floor of the Campus Center. Forms are available at the Bittner Center main desk or at the Student Services front desk. 

Bittner Center users aren’t permitted to park in the Visitor Parking Lot, but may use other lots on campus to which they have access.

Anyone with questions about the Bittner Center or access may contact Ron O’Brien at 563-884-5856 or email ron.obrien@palmer.edu.

Bittner Center Hours:
Weekdays: 5 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

 

R. Richard Bittner Athletic and Recreation Center

Two Palmer students running on purple track.
The three-lane Drs. Donna & Paul VanDuyne Track.
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Two people running on treadmills.
High-tech cardio equipment equipped with Internet, Dish TV, and Preva, a program that allows users to track and log their workouts.
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Group of women in cycling class
The Bittner Center offers a variety of classes available to students, faculty, staff, and family members with Palmer ID.
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Man lifting bar bell weights.
The Bittner Center offers a variety of classes available to students, faculty, staff, and family members with Palmer ID.
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Man using weight machine.
New athletic equipment throughout the facility includes free weights, resistance machines, and functional fitness equipment.
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Woman using exercise ropes.
New athletic equipment throughout the facility includes free weights, resistance machines, and functional fitness equipment.
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Multiple students exercise in indoor exercise area.
The Bittner Center offers a variety of options to stay in shape before, after or in-between classes.
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Woman lifting weights outside.
Weightlifting equipment is available outdoors during the spring, summer, and fall seasons.
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