HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- You could call it the future of fitness.

This February, Marshall University will open its brand new student fitness center, complete with all the bells and whistles that are common at other colleges.

It's a project more than a decade in the making. Marshall University gave WSAZ a tour of its new facility -- a 30 million dollar project that spared no expense.

It's 123,000 square feet, including a gymnasium with four separate courts. Nearby a two-story fitness area that will hold cardio machines as well as weight equipment.

The natatorium will feature lap lanes, a leisure pool and a spa.

The rock climbing wall is expected to be a fan favorite.

"Even with all the construction going on, you get the impression and feeling of just how beautiful a facility this is going to be and how functional it's going to be," Dr. Stephen Kopp, Marshall University President, said.

One of the features that really stands out here is this walking track. It's suspended three stories above the entire facility, overlooking areas like the four basketball courts.

"What's special about this is it traverses the entire building, and as you walk around the building, you're going to be able to see all of the different features of this building in a very special way," Dr. Kopp said.

It should help with recruitment and retention at the university, while also fulfilling a committment made years ago.

"The students were essentially promised more than a decade ago that this structure would be built and coming here president kopp knew this was something that was very important to our students. Our student body presidents throughout his time here have constantly brought it up. And to see it come to fruition and to happen, to open in February 2009 is very exciting," Marshall University Chief of Staff Bill Bissett said.

For workers, it's an exciting sprint to the finish with opening day less than four months away.

President Kopp says he hopes to offer a paid membership option to alumni and people affiliated with the university, but details aren't finalized.

However, he says does not want Marshall competing with other fitness centers in the area.