Whitman’s Sherwood Athletic Center will reopen Friday following a $15.5 million renovation of the four-decade-old facility.

The school upgraded the interior and exterior of the center and replaced an outdated swimming pool with a multipurpose gymnasium. The renovations will relieve demands on the existing main gym used primarily for varsity basketball and volleyball.

The center features new locker-room space for varsity teams, along with larger and more modern athletic training facilities.

The renovation is the latest in a series of improvements of athletics and recreation facilities at Whitman. The college opened an indoor tennis center in 1996, a 17-acre complex including soccer and softball fields in 2001, and a fitness center including a new 30-meter swimming pool three years ago.

“Completion of the Sherwood Center renovation, following the recent addition of the Baker Ferguson Fitness Center and Paul Harvey Swimming Pool, significantly increases the quality of our campus athletics facilities,” President George Bridges said.

“Whitman students now have access to remarkable facilities to engage in fitness and conditioning as well as to participate in varsity, club and intramural sports. Students with whom I’ve spoken are enthusiastic about Sherwood Center and the opportunities it offers them and the entire campus.”

Coaches and staff moved into the center last month. Coaches will have roomier offices, giving them space in which they can meet with prospective student-athletes.

The center’s foyer features the college’s athletics hall of fame.

“It is a beautiful tribute to our alumni athletes, and it makes an excellent first impression in the eyes of recruits and their families,” said Dean Snider, Whitman athletics director.