Facility Overview

The West Rec Center Parking Lot serves the vibrant Upper Campus of Commonwealth University - Bloomsburg (formerly Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania). Situated directly along Swisher Drive, this spacious, open-air surface parking lot provides convenient vehicular staging for students, faculty, visiting collegiate athletes, and campus guests. Because it is a level open-air asphalt facility without vertical height restrictions or overhead clearance barriers, the lot easily accommodates standard passenger cars, large pickup trucks, full-size SUVs, and passenger vans. Its generous travel lanes make navigation seamless, whether arriving for an early morning workout or attending a major university athletic contest.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Located on the university\'s upper athletic and recreational corridor, this parking area sits directly adjacent to key campus destinations:

• Student Recreation Center: Located just steps from the lot, offering extensive fitness facilities, indoor courts, an indoor track, and climbing walls.
• Nelson Field House & Steph Pettit Athletic Complex: Within a short 2 to 4-minute walk, hosting university basketball, wrestling, swimming, field hockey, soccer, and tennis competitions.
• Danny Hale Field at Robert B. Redman Stadium: Home to Huskies football and track & field events, situated less than a 5-minute walk down Swisher Drive.
• Upper Campus Student Housing: Direct walking access to student living communities including the Jessica S. Kozloff Apartments and Montgomery Place Apartments.
• Downtown Bloomsburg: A quick 5-minute drive (approx. 1.5 miles) to Main Street\'s collection of local diners, coffee shops, and boutique retail storefronts.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Accessing the West Rec Center Parking Lot is straightforward via Lightstreet Road (PA-487) or Country Club Drive, turning onto Swisher Drive. Positioned just minutes from Interstate 80 (Exit 236), the facility offers seamless regional access for out-of-town travelers and visiting athletic teams. On-campus mobility is supported by the Bloomsburg University Campus Shuttle service, which frequently stops along Upper Campus routes, providing fast, complimentary transit down to the Lower Campus academic quad and library facilities without needing to repark.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Spacious, single-level open-air asphalt parking bays.
• Dedicated ADA-accessible parking spaces situated close to building entrance ramps.
• Nighttime safety lighting spanning the lot and connecting pedestrian pathways.
• Campus security coverage monitored by Commonwealth University Police.
• Integrated pay-by-plate/mobile permit options (via university parking portals or campus visitor passes).
• Immediate connectivity to university shuttle bus stops and pedestrian crosswalks.

Ideal For

• Students and university members utilizing the Student Recreation Center and gym facilities.
• Huskies sports fans attending NCAA Division II athletic games at Nelson Field House or Redman Stadium.
• Visitors attending collegiate tournaments, high school invitationals, and academic summer camps.
• Upper Campus apartment residents and authorized residential permit holders.

Visitor & Driver Tips

Campus parking regulations are strictly enforced during standard academic hours (Monday through Friday). Visitors should ensure they obtain a temporary visitor parking permit online or through the University Police department, or utilize designated metered/mobile-pay spaces to avoid citations. On major game days, particularly home football Saturdays and playoff events, Swisher Drive experiences elevated traffic volume; arriving at least 30 to 45 minutes prior to game time is highly recommended to secure a prime stall.