Outdoor Facilities
Becker Pavilion
Campus Lake and boat dock have been the go-to for Saluki outdoor recreation since its purchase in 1955 and construction in 1958. Formerly called Thompson Lake, this area is a perfect fishing spot or just a great place to enjoy nature.
Recently renovated and renamed, Becker Pavilion replaced the Campus Lake Boat Dock in 2018, sporting a conference area that can host approximately 40 people indoors, depending on the event, and an outside plaza that can host approximately another 20 people.
Ralph E. Becker, a 1955 alumnus, and SIU radio-television program pioneer gave this facility new life through a generous donation. His contribution now offers students another escape from the rigors of collegiate life. Students, Alumni, and Community Members can also rent boats for a gorgeous day out on the lake.
Becker Pavilion is oftentimes used as the hub for Athletic events such as 5k races and our on-campus triathlon but is also a great place just to come for an afternoon stroll around our 2-mile Campus Lake Trail.
About the Facility
Hours:
This space can be reserved year-round.
Who can use this space:
Anyone can rent and reserve this space.
RSS Policy Highlights:
Setups available: classroom style, banquet style, and rounds.
Restrooms are on-site.
If alcohol is desired for an event hosted here, an alcohol permit must be obtained and approval granted prior to the event. Visit our Reservations page for the Alcohol policy form and guidelines.
Program Connections
- Sunrise Yoga has been hosted here in the past through our Group Fitness Program.
- Moonlight Canoe is also hosted here on the Full moon of the month, depending on the time of the season.
Reservation Info
Reservation rates vary based on your group eligibility.
Boats may also be able to be added to any Becker Reservation based on staff availability and weather.
Parking Info
The closest parking lot is lot 37. A blue faculty staff decal is required to park in this lot. There are also approximately 50 parking spots in this lot that you can pay by the hour for at the kiosk pay station.
Lot 52 is across the road from lot 37. A red faculty staff decal is required to park in this lot.
Bucky's Haven
Bucky's Haven is an outdoor picnic pavilion located on-campus lake, commonly used for small BBQs and meetings. Located just North of Becker Pavilion on the campus Lake trail.
This dome was named after Richard Buckminster Fuller, an American engineer, architect, and futurist who developed the geodesic dome — the only large dome that can be set directly on the ground as a complete structure. Fuller was a research professor at Southern Illinois University Carbondale from 1959 to 1968. In 1968 he was named university professor, in 1972 distinguished university professor, and in 1975 university professor emeritus.
About the Facility
Hours:
This space can be reserved year-round from dawn until dusk.
Who can use this space:
Anyone can rent and reserve this space. Drop-in use is not advised.
RSS Policy Highlights:
Covered outdoor picnic pavilion.
There are no restrooms, power hookups, or lights at the dome.
Parking Info
The closest parking lot is lot 37. A blue faculty staff decal is required to park in this lot. There are also approximately 50 parking spots in this lot that you can pay by the hour for at the kiosk pay station.
Lot 52 is across the road from lot 37. A red faculty staff decal is required to park in this lot.
Campus Lake Trail
Campus Lake Trail is a 2-mile paved trail around campus lake. Along the trail, there is a nature boardwalk and multiple workout areas.
This trail is often used for everyday recreation by walkers, runners, and joggers.
On average the trail sees about 1,500 users a week.
The trail hosts multiple organized walks and runs throughout the year.
About the Facility
Hours:
Dawn to dusk.
Who can use this space:
Open for public use.
RSS Policy Highlights:
Skateboards, rollerblades, or roller skates are not allowed on the trail.
Reservation Info
The trail itself cannot be rented/reserved. It must be rented/reserved with either Becker Pavilion or Bucky's Haven.
Parking Info
The closest parking lot is lot 37. A blue faculty staff decal is required to park in this lot. There are also approximately 50 parking spots in this lot that you can pay by the hour for at the kiosk pay station.
Lot 52 is across the road from lot 37. A red faculty staff decal is required to park in this lot.
REC Sports Complex
The Recreational Sports Complex consists of two softball fields and one baseball field.
The outfields of both softball fields can be used for other sports such as flag football and rugby.
About the Facility
Hours:
This space can be reserved from dawn until dusk when the ground is not frozen.
Who can use this space:
Anyone can rent and reserve this space.
Program Connections
RSS Sport Clubs that use this space: baseball club, softball club, and the men's and women's rugby clubs.
Parking Info
The closest parking lot is lot 96. It is a decal lot.
Reservation Info
Reservation rates vary based on your group eligibility.
Saluki Courts
The newly renovated Saluki Courts are located on Route 51. There are a total of 2 tennis courts, 6 pickleball courts, 2 futsal/roller hockey courts, and 1 volleyball court.
This space is free for drop-in use by current SIU students and Rec Center members.
During the summer months, the courts are lit up at night at least one night a week for night play.
About the Facility
Hours:
Dawn to dusk.
Who can use this space:
Free to current SIU students and Rec Center members.
RSS Policy Highlights:
Non-SIU Students and non-Rec Members will need to rent the courts to use them.
Reservation Info
Reservation rates vary based on your group eligibility.
Parking Info
The closest parking lot is lot 48. A red faculty staff decal is required to park in this lot.
Sam Rinella Field
Sam Rinella field is a very visible and commonly used green space located directly in front of the Towers (Mae Smith, Neely and Schneider) on Grand Ave. It is approximately 3 acres in size.
About the Facility:
Hours:
This space can be reserved year-round from dawn until dusk.
Who can use this space:
Anyone can rent and reserve this space. Drop-in play is not advised.
RSS Policy Highlights:
Open grass field, typically used for field practices and bigger outside events.
There are no restrooms or lights on or around the field.
Program Connections:
Several of the Rec Sports and Services Sport clubs use this field to practice and host events.
Those clubs include Medieval Combat and Quidditch.
Parking Info
The closest parking lot is lot 45. A green student decal is required to park in this lot.
Reservation Info
Reservation rates vary based on your group eligibility.