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Community Engagement

As a university, employer and corporate partner, EKU is committed to serving our students as well as the communities they call home. Community engagement plays a critical role in enhancing academic quality and furthers our mission as a school of opportunity, to foster personal growth and prepare students to contribute to the success and vitality of their communities, the Commonwealth, and the world.

The university promotes transformative experiences for students, faculty, staff, and the community through engaged scholarship, outreach, and service to address community needs and betterment.

Key Resources

Guides

Fitness & Recreation

Eastern Kentucky University is dedicated to providing service, education and experiences that encourage holistic well-being. Members of the Richmond community can take advantage of a number of services to benefit their health and wellness.

The division of aquatics strives to build a campus environment for students and members of the community to enhance their lives through aquatic based activities. We aim to achieve this through the innovation of programs such as learn to swim (group lessons,) lifeguard certification trainings, facility rental opportunities, as well as open swim hours and swim for fitness programs. We continue to evolve and invent new programs to best utilize the space of our aquatic facilities across campus. This allows us to remain inclusive to all members of the communities in which we serve.

The Student Recreation Aquatic Center offers a variety of features for patrons of the facility, including 4 lap lanes, vortex, volleyball, basketball, zero entry, spa and an outdoor patio.

Aquatic Center Hours

Mon & Wed: 6 a.m. – 8 a.m. & 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Tue & Thu: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. & 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Fri: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Campus Recreation schedules activities on the Beach Volleyball Complex. All Varsity Athletic practices and events have scheduling priority. Campus Recreation operates open recreation hours. An active membership to the Student Recreation Center is required. The Beach Volleyball Complex is a seasonal facility.

The EKU Challenge Course is a state-of-the-art facility where groups are given learning opportunities anchored in experiential education and the opportunity to move outside their comfort zone.

We offer a variety of programs and workshops to help you: learn effective communication, build confidence, form relationships, understand the power of team, try new things, be adventurous, improve problem solving skills, gain trust, and most importantly have fun!

Rock climbing is a great sport that has benefits for everyone. Come check out our indoor rock climbing wall in the Student Recreation Center. The wall is open for roped climbing and bouldering during the week in the fall, spring, and summer. For all climbing you must check in at the equipment desk and have a completed, current waiver on file.

The wall is also open to classes and student organizations for special events. These events should be scheduled in advance.

Contact Info for Pricing & Scheduling
Dakota McClendon
dakota.mcclendon@eku.edu
859-622-5251

Climbing Center Hours

Mon -Thu: 2 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Fri: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.

The Esports Lounge, located on the second floor of the Student Recreation Center, offers a variety of activities for our members. The space includes a FullSwing Golf Simulator, more than 20 Alienware Aurora R8 gaming computers, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X and retro arcade gaming.

The Esports Lounge is also the home to our competitive Esports teams! These teams compete against other schools across the country in video games like Rocket League, League of Legends, Valorant, and many more.

Esports Lounge Hours

Mon-Thu: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Fri: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sat: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sun: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

First Floor
The First Floor Fitness area is equipped with a full selection of equipment geared toward strength training. Options include:

  • Free Weights
  • Power Racks and Benches
  • Precor Strength Machines
  • Queenax Functional Fitness System
  • The Rig – Open Training Rack for Full Body and Olympic Lifts
  • HIIT Deck – Platform with Wind Bikes, Row Machines, Ski Rowers, and Sprint Treadmills

Second Floor
The second floor has a wide variety of cardio equipment and pulley strength equipment to support all levels of fitness. Amenities include:

  • Upright and Recumbent Bikes
  • Stairmasters
  • Ellipticals
  • Treadmills
  • Nautilus One Series – Seated Exercise Equipment
  • Semi-Private Exercise Space (Grey Studio & MAC Court Overlook) – equipped with Matrix Connexus training system, dumb bells, yoga mats, medicine balls, kettle bells, and more

The track is open to patrons of the facility during hours unless otherwise noted. Equipment including free weights is not permitted on the track. However, specific equipment may be permitted at the discretion of the staff.

The 14-acre McDonough Intramural Field Complex includes field lighting, synthetic and natural surfaces, skinned infields for softball and baseball, the IM Fieldhouse, and an outdoor volleyball pit. Campus Recreation controls the use of the Intramural Field Complex at all times. Use of the Intramural Field Complex is subject to field and weather conditions. Each field has lights.

  • Field 1 – Softball Diamond (50′ or 45′ Bases, Movable Fencing can be 225′ or +300′, Includes backstop and team benches)
  • Field 2 – Baseball Diamond (60′ Mound, 90′ Bases, Movable Fencing can be 225′ or +300′ Includes backstop and team benches)
  • Field 3 – 120yd x 100yd Natural Playing Surface (also includes goal posts)
  • Field 4 – Modern Synthetic Turf Surface (Includes backstop and team benches)
  • Field 5 – Short-Pile AstroTurf Surface
    Sand Volleyball Pit

Natural Areas

EKU’s Division of Natural Areas protects and manages three natural areas that are available to university groups, school groups, and the general public for environmental research and education. University classes and organizations, community groups and the general public are welcome to use the natural areas for a variety of purposes, depending on the site. These uses include meetings, seminars or workshops, wildlife viewing, hiking, nature photography, and fishing.

Located in Letcher County in the southeastern corner of Kentucky, Lilley Cornett Woods encompasses 554 acres of mixed mesophytic forest. A portion of the total acreage, 252 acres, is designated as “old-growth” forest; a forest which has not undergone any man-made changes in 150 years.

Biodiversity of plants and animals abound at Lilley Cornett Woods. There are over 530 species of flowering plants and an estimated 700 breeding pairs of birds present. In addition, a variety of small mammals, amphibians and reptiles call Lilley Cornett Woods home.

Visitor Center Hours
April 1 – October 31: Open daily (8:30 am – 5 pm)
November 1 – March 31: by appointment only

Pets are not allowed on Lilley Cornett Woods property.

Hiking and Trail Information
There are three designated trails at Lilley Cornett Woods. The Wetlands Trail, located behind the Visitor Center, is open to the public, while access to the two old growth trails is by guided tours only. For the guided tours, hikers may choose between the Short Trail (~2 hour guided tour) and the Long Trail (~4 hour guided tour). Tours are available during Visitor Center hours on a first come, first serve basis. Calling ahead to schedule a tour is recommended. For groups and classes, contact the manager in advance to schedule a guided hike or tour. Find more information about requesting a reservation to use any facilities in the Lilley Cornett Woods Reservation Information Guide. 

Facilities at Lilley Cornett Woods

  • Visitor Welcome Center 
  • 1700 sq ft Research and Learning Center available for academic use with a wet lab classroom that has seating for 24 and a dry lab classroom with facilities for 12. The center is available for classes, meetings, and research. 
  • Overnight bunkhouse with sleeping accommodations for 10.
  • Researcher Studio Apartment that will accommodate 1-2 people
  • Wireless internet service in visitor center, bunkhouse, and research center
  • Outdoor pavillion

Contact Information
Curtis Cox, Manager
Lilley Cornett Woods
91 Lilley Cornett Branch
Hallie, Kentucky 41821
606-633-5828

A 1,700 acre natural area and wildlife refuge nestled in the Knobs Region of Kentucky, Maywoods is located 22 miles southwest of Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) Richmond campus and straddles parts of Garrard and Rockcastle Counties. As EKU’s Environmental and Research Laboratory, the facility provides research opportunities for the University’s students and faculty, as well as environmental educational opportunities for the greater University community, surrounding county schools, and community groups.

Download the Trail Map

Facilities at Maywoods include:

  • 5 self-guided hiking trails under 1 mile, plus a 4.2 mile self-guided hiking trail.
  • A lodge with semi-private dormitory accommodations for 40, a central meeting room and fully equipped kitchen
  • Wireless internet service in lodge
  • Outdoor classroom shelter
  • Amphitheater
  • Lake Edmiston (Fishing permitted from the shore; April 1 to October 31. Valid fishing license required. Fishing regulations posted on site)

For more information on making a reservation at Maywoods, refer to the Maywoods Reservation Information Guide 

Hours:

  • Open to the public from dawn to dusk every day for hiking and fishing (Apr 1-Oct 31)
  • The entrance gate to Maywoods is open from 9am to 4:30pm daily from April 1st to October 31st.

NOTE: If the gate is closed or you plan to stay after 5pm, visitors must park outside the gate (do not block the gate!) in the gravel area to the left of the gate or along the shoulder of the road and walk into Maywoods.

  • Pets are not allowed on Maywoods property.
  • Fishing permitted from the shore April 1 to October 31. Valid fishing license required. Fishing regulations posted on site.

For Teachers & Environmental Educators:

To provide all teachers and environmental educators resources to enhance their group’s experience at Maywoods, the Division of Natural Areas has a Reservation Guide to assist in the planning process and educational activity kits may also be available. The Reservation Guide is designed to help all group leaders have a successful and enjoyable outdoor environmental educational experience with their group at Maywoods.

  • Activity Kits are available for teachers and other environmental/outdoor education leaders to use during their Maywoods visit. 
  • Each kit is designed to explore one of Maywoods ecosystems.
  • Email Kelly Watson, Director of the Center For Science & Environmental Education, to request education programing or activity kits for your group.
Download The Leader’s Manual

Contact Information
Homer Strong, Manager
Maywoods Environmental and Educational Laboratory
447 Maywoods Road
Crab Orchard, KY 40419
859-925-2274

Taylor Fork Ecological Area is an active ecological restoration site of 150 acres near EKU’s main campus in Richmond. The  landscape includes early successional grassland, woodland, canebrakes, and old pastureland. Developed as a site for learning, research, and restoration, Taylor Fork Ecological Area was initially developed  by students in EKU’s Wildlife Management Program. Intensive management activities and opportunities for ecological manipulation make this a premiere training ground for students. The site also hosts The American Chestnut Kentucky Regional Seed Orchard managed by The Kentucky Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation.

Trails of Taylor Fork Ecological Area and South Campus Google Map of Trails
  • Hours: Open to the public every day from dawn to dusk
  • Pets must be on leash and pet owners must clean up pet waste

Financial support for the project was provided by the following organizations:

  • Bluegrass PRIDE
  • Sheltowee Environmental Education Coalition
  • USFWS Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program
  • Natural Resource Conservation Service
  • Eastern Kentucky University

Contact Information
Dr. David Brown:
david.brown@eku.edu
Office: Science Building 4229
859-622-2283

Established in 2023, Cardinal Lane Outdoor Laboratory is a ten-acre property located adjacent to the Richmond campus. This urban Natural Area offers a unique blend of innovative land management, community involvement, and student education while honoring the commitment of EKU Division of Natural Areas  to enhancing environmental quality and creating accessible green spaces for the campus and community. The Cardinal Lane area is open sunrise to sunset to the community to enjoy walking trails, community green space, a community vegetable garden, and a pollinator garden. 

Students are actively involved in the natural resource management at Cardinal Lane, including the removal of invasive species, improving plant diversity and water quality, managing the urban forest, and implementing a variety of restoration projects. This site aims to enhance food security on campus and in the local community, serve as educational tools, and offers opportunities for hands-on experience in gardening and native plant cultivation. 

Future plans include establishing a native tree nursery and a fruit tree orchard, developing a nature playscape, using the gardens to provide fresh produce to Colonel’s Cupboard, and transforming Cardinal Lane into an outdoor classroom for EKU students. This urban field site will serve as a living laboratory, providing students with hands-on experience in community leadership, agroforestry, permaculture, and environmental education.

Policies and Hours:

  • Hours: Open to the public every day from dawn to dusk
  • Pets must be on leash and pet owners must clean up pet waste
  • Park at the end of the road in the gravel lot on the left
  • Respect the privacy of neighbors by enjoying the area quietly
Map of Cardinal Lane Outdoor Laboratory

Contact Information
Dr. Kelly Watson:
kelly.watson@eku.edu
Office: Science Building 3107
859-622-1419

Arts & Music

Music, and performing and visual arts serve a vital role in our community to bring people together and to connect over shared experiences. EKU is proud to offer several opportunities for community groups and the general public to enjoy and appreciate the benefits of the arts.

Serving campus and the Commonwealth since its founding in 1973, the Fred Parker Giles Gallery celebrates its 50th anniversary with a significant renovation. We are Eastern Kentucky University’s foremost venue for visual art and design. This newly renovated, state-of-the-art, university gallery spotlights the creative scholarship of students, alumni, faculty, and artists of regional and national renown. The gallery is named for Fred Parker Giles, a distinguished Professor of Art at EKU from 1939-1964.

Giles Gallery exists in service to the entirety of EKU’s campus and its neighboring community. GG is an extension of our studio classrooms, making available a range of creative scholarship with free public arts programming for everyone.

Hours
Mon-Fri: Noon-4pm
Please be aware, the gallery is closed between exhibits for installation. Giles Gallery also has limited evening hours to complement Gifford Theatre and School of Music programming in the Campbell Building. Follow our Instagram @EKUGilesGallery for these announcements.

Location
EKU Giles Gallery
Eastern Kentucky University
2396 Crabbe Street
Richmond, KY, 40475

Parking & Accessibility
Free parking for patrons is typically available after 5PM on weekdays, and throughout the weekend, directly across the street from the Campbell Building in the Crabbe Lot. Please be advised, the Crabbe Lot is a pay lot during normal business hours, payable via the Park Mobile App.

  • Passengers with physical disabilities may be dropped off at the Campbell Building Crabbe Street entrance.
  • Designated parking spaces are available to visitors with the appropriate Disabled Persons Parking Placard in front of the Campbell Building.
  • A wheelchair accessible ramp is located at the front of the Campbell Building.

Field Trips & Reservations
Educators, schools, and community groups are welcomed to request exhibit tours and field trips. We may also accommodate special events requests for groups affiliated with EKU. Contact Melissa Vandenberg at melissa.vandenberg@eku.edu for information.

Located on the campus of Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Kentucky, the Stephen Collins Foster Music Camp has provided outstanding musical experiences to the young musicians of the Commonwealth and surrounding states for decades. Each season promises to be no exception to the tradition that has made the Foster Camp so special to those who have attended. Whether you are an instrumentalist, keyboardist, or vocalist, we promise that you will not go home without capturing some of the spirit that has characterized Foster for these many years.

Foster Music Camp

The EKU Center is Central Kentucky’s premier live entertainment and arts destination, located conveniently off of I-75 in Richmond on the campus of Eastern Kentucky University.

EKU Center for the Arts

Venue Rentals

You don’t have to go far to find accommodations for your events. EKU has a wide variety of venue options to host your special occasion. From meetings to weddings, we can accommodate any group size in a number of campus buildings and settings.

Centrally and conveniently located in Eastern Kentucky, the Richmond campus offers several unique and intimate venues for a wedding and/or reception. You do not have to be affiliated with the university to have your wedding on campus.

EKU also offers the unique experience of celebrating your big day at the historic University Club at Arlington. Located just a mile from downtown Richmond and a mile from I-75, the University Club is another perfect location for your wedding and reception.

Other commonly used wedding venues include the Ravine, the Keen Johnson Building, and the Perkins Conference Center.

The Ravine
Centrally located in the heart of Eastern Kentucky University’s Richmond campus, The Ravine offers a grand space to host your special day. There’s no better location to have your wedding on the Campus Beautiful if you are looking for a venue outdoors!

Keen Johnson
If you’re looking for that lavish feel to compliment your perfect wedding day, look into the Keen Johnson Building! From the Ballroom, located on the second floor, to Walnut Hall, towards the lobby there is plenty of space for your dream wedding.

Perkins Conference Center
Just on the edge of Richmond’s campus, EKU’s Perkins Conference Center offers multiple spaces to host your event, big or small! These spaces can be customized to fit your needs and guests. Perkins offers accommodations to fit the needs of your event, in an accessible, welcoming location.

White Hall
Make your wedding day historic! White Hall offers a beautiful backdrop for your outdoor wedding dreams. Whether you say “I do” on the steps of the mansion or out in the field with the rolling hills behind you, you’re sure to cherish this magical location for years to come. White Hall can accommodate up to 250 guests for your ceremony and reception.

Contact for More Information
Alex Cummins
alex.cummins@eku.edu
859-622-2644

EKU has a wide variety of available spaces:

  • Alumni Coliseum
  • Brock Auditorium
  • Carl D. Perkins Conference Center
  • Keen Johnson Building
  • O’Donnell Auditorium
  • The Ravine
  • The University Club at Arlington
See Available Venue Details

Community Education & Workforce Development

EKU’s Workforce Development and Community Engagement believes in life-long learning both in the work place and in our personal lives.

Whether it be a safety class from our OSHA Training Institute Education Center, a leadership certification from Workforce Development, or even a semester-long fitness course from Community Education, your personal and professional growth is our priority.

Online courses and career training programs prepare you for a new career, or help you advance within your current occupation. Learn new skills and prepare for industry-recognized certifications. Topics include IT boot camps, real estate training, medical programs, and more.

EKU’s Community Education Department offers a wide variety of non-credit classes that are open to the general public. Courses are taught by EKU faculty and staff, community professionals, and local tradespersons. Most classes are held on the Richmond campus where participants enjoy a relaxed learning atmosphere.

Students admitted into the Success First program can expect to receive:

Hours
Mon – Fri: 8 am – 4:30 pm
closed: noon – 1 pm

Workforce Development provides quality professional development and training opportunities throughout Kentucky and draws upon the expertise of faculty, area business leaders, and professional trainers to develop and deliver programs tailored to meet the current economic needs of business and industry.

We are dedicated to giving our students the best training possible through exceptional classroom and field experiences, thereby equipping professionals with the tools they need to be successful in their chosen occupation.

Additional Information

The Facilitation Center provides professional facilitation services to small and large groups. The Center is well-respected and highly sought after by a variety of regional, national, and international organizations for its expertise and collaborative approach.

Facilitation Specialties Include:

  • Personalizing meeting designs to fulfill each client’s unique needs
  • Challenging groups to generate creative ideas and then funneling them into action
  • DACUM Occupational Analysis, an internationally recognized process for conducting a job analysis for any profession

EKU News & Updates