SAN MARCOS — Students at Cal State San Marcos have approved a referendum to raise per-semester fees to fund the creation of a new wellness and recreation center after initially rejecting a similar referendum earlier this year.
The referendum proposed raising students’ recreation fees from $35 per semester to $245 starting in the 2026-27 academic year, with an annual 3% increase thereafter. Between Oct. 21 and 23, 1,807 students voted on the referendum — equal to just under 12% turnout — with 64.6% in favor and 35.4% voting against.
Using the increased fees, the university will lease a portion of a new building owned by Sea Breeze Properties along Barham Drive. The 49,200-square-foot facility will include cardio machines, strength training equipment, a dedicated wellness area, a rooftop deck with a synthetic turf field, two indoor courts, multipurpose rooms, a commuter lounge and an e-sports collaboration den.
“As someone who has lived on campus at The QUAD, I always felt like our school was missing a facility where students could go to truly be themselves and recover from a long school day,” said Jacob Brown, a junior kinesiology major and Campus Rec student assistant. “This facility not only will improve the lives of all students here on campus, but also those who live off campus. This building also will offer more spaces for programs like kinesiology and athletics, allowing them to become bigger and better than ever.”
Ambassadors from Campus Recreation, CSUSM Athletics and CSUSM Housing, among other student groups, led the educational campaign called “Vote for U.” regarding the referendum.
The voting results mark a drastic shift from the last referendum vote in April, where around 60% voted against raising fees. At that time, the “Be Well. Be You.” campaign proposed raising the fee to $265 per semester starting in 2025 with a 3% increase.
For the new referendum, Cal State San Marcos decreased the proposed fee and agreed that it would take effect when the facility actually opens in a couple of years.
University leadership commended students for their advocacy for the referendum.
“Their efforts in ensuring that students were educated and understood the importance of their vote had a significant impact on the level of student participation. Our students have left a lasting legacy for future generations of Cougars,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Viridiana Diaz.
CSUSM students have called repeatedly for increased recreation facilities on campus, particularly as enrollment continues to grow by over 16,000 students.
The students currently rely on the small Clarke Field House for on-campus recreation and fitness programming. The Clarke Field House offers a workout equipment area, a half-court gym, an outdoor basketball court and a sand volleyball court.
“A new rec facility at our school will be incredibly beneficial, offering students a place for physical activity and relaxation,” said senior psychology major and student-athlete Arman Rahgozar. “More modern facilities will help to foster a strong sense of school spirit with students at CSUSM. With how fast the school is growing, a new rec facility is needed for the student experience to continue to grow as well.”
The facility that will house the Wellness and Recreation Center will also include new housing for 550 students. It is located next to The QUAD student housing development and across from the University Village Apartments.
Sea Breeze Properties is the developer of the larger North City project, which spans the 195-acre area of the city’s downtown, bordered by Cal State San Marcos, Kaiser Hospital and state Route 78.
