University of Findlay Reopens Derrick’s Hangout in Koehler Fitness & Recreation Complex

University of Findlay students now have a new place spend time with friends, hold meetings, and get away from day-to-day stresses. Derrick’s Hangout, located just inside the Koehler Fitness and Recreation Complex, is now open on campus, and features seating, tables, board games, multiple TVs, streaming services, arcades, and gaming systems.

The space was formerly occupied by Sodexo’s Derrick’s Hangout, a smoothie restaurant dedicated to pre and post workout smoothies. After speaking with the University’s Student Government Association (SGA), an idea for the space was created. With funding from SGA, the room was renovated, and items were brought in to make it an enjoyable space for students to go at no cost. “To address the concern of students saying there is nothing to do on the weekends, or nowhere to go that’s free, we wanted to make sure we had systems and games available to students. We want them to have a safe and fun place to hang out and meet new people,” said Bill Johnston, Director of Orientation and Student Persistence.

Students can use the space for meetings; to watch sports, shows, and movies; to play board games; or to hang out with friends. The space is packed with three tables, couches and chairs, and six TVs. Students will also find a PlayStation 5, an Xbox Series X, and a Nintendo Switch. Games for the systems have been purchased, but said students are also welcome to bring their own games. Several board games, card games, and table top games have also been purchased for students to utilize.

With multiple TVs, music, a virtual pinball machine with 300 games, and a 6,000 game/4-player multicade device, the space is going to be loud. “This is not going to be a quiet place,” warns Johnston. “The main purpose of Derrick’s Hangout is to be fun, loud, and collaborative, just like Derrick would want it.”

Derrick’s will have the same hours as the rec center and does not require a reservation. For those students and organizations looking to reserve part of the space, a reservation request can be emailed to Derrickshangout@findlay.edu. To avoid issues with space, Johnston encourages students and groups to visit the space before making a reservation.

With the help of streaming services, Johnston hopes to host a Super Bowl watch party in the new space. Until then, the space is officially open and available for use.

Johnston’s next goal for the space is to create a peer level access to services. “I envision a peer fitness coach that will work with fellow students, a peer career coach, peer academic coach, and a peer personal financial coach that can utilize this space and the rec center to help one another,” he said.