History

Since the opening of Rockland Community College in 1959, the Physical Education Department has made significant changes in their curriculum that was enhanced with the development of the Fieldhouse. In the college’s original existence, physical education classes were held in an old farm house. As the college community grew, the college purchased a bubble structure located in the parking lot east of the famous jailhouse.

In 1974, the structure of the program changed. An eight million dollar Fieldhouse was constructed that included a regulation basketball court, four indoor tennis courts, volleyball courts, indoor track and other teaching areas within the arena. Within the complex was also, four squash courts (that are used for racquetball), an Olympic sized pool, two gyms for aerobic activities, a weight room and an athletic training room. Once built, it was conceived as a community building that would showcase trade shows, concerts, graduations, and sporting events.