UC Berkeley Opened Strawberry Canyon to Students
The recreation facility behind California Memorial Stadium is now available for student use during the academic term.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Health and Wellness
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UC Berkeley has opened the Strawberry Canyon Recreation Area to students for the fall and spring semesters. The facility expansion was made possible by a one-year grant from the Wellness Initiative Fee committee.
Why it matters
The grant aims to increase student access to diverse recreational and fitness resources throughout the school year. This change provides students with a dedicated space for health and wellness activities outside of standard gym settings.
Students pay a $263.75 semesterly Wellness Initiative Fee, while private facility rentals for students are set at $60 per hour. Four unique wellness programs are currently planned to take place throughout the fall semester.
The players
UC Berkeley
This is a public research university located in Berkeley that serves as the flagship campus of the University of California system.
RecWell
This department manages recreational facilities and wellness programming for the student body at UC Berkeley.
The details
Located behind California Memorial Stadium, the site features fitness areas, picnic spots, a ropes course, and the Haas Clubhouse. The indoor recreation space is equipped with yoga mats, blocks, and blankets for student drop-in use during operating hours.
Timeline
The ASUC referendum that established the Wellness Initiative Fee passed in 2015.
The facility held its grand opening for student use on Wednesday.
Four wellness programs are scheduled to occur during the fall semester.
Industry Dynamics
This move mirrors a broader trend in higher education where universities increasingly leverage student-led fee initiatives to fund wellness infrastructure. It reflects the ongoing campus efforts to expand physical and mental health resources beyond traditional recreation centers.
Students can now access the Strawberry Canyon facility by simply dropping in during designated operating hours. Those planning events can reserve space at an hourly rate of $60, providing a cost-effective option for student groups and clubs.
The takeaway
Students looking for new fitness spaces should check the updated operating hours for the facility behind California Memorial Stadium. Utilizing the provided yoga equipment and outdoor activity areas can help integrate wellness routines into the busy academic schedule.
Further reading
Learn more about local programs in the Health and Wellness section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Daily Cal | Berkeley news.
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