/* update variables when header is on dark background*/
.on-dark-bg {
   --header-bg: var(--current-header-bg);
   --chevron-clr: white;
   --menu-item-clr: white;
   --menu-item-hover-bg: #172235;
   --menu-item-hover-clr: #bc92e6;
   --menu-toggle-clr: var(--menu-item-clr);
   --dropdown-content-border: solid 1px rgb(220 220 220 / 20%);
   --mobile-menu-bg: var(--header-bg);
 }

 .on-light-bg {
   --menu-item-clr: black;
   /* update variables when header is on light background*/
 }


 /* update variable when on dark or light background */
 .on-dark-bg,
 .on-light-bg {
   --overlay-header-bg-active: var(--current-header-bg);
   --dropdown-content-bg: var(--current-header-bg);
 }

 .on-video-section {
   /* update variables when header is on video section*/
   --menu-item-clr: white;
   --chevron-clr: white;
   --menu-item-hover-bg: rgb(0 0 0 / 30%);
   --menu-item-hover-clr: #bc92e6;
   --dropdown-content-bg: rgb(0 0 0 / 70%);
   --overlay-header-bg: rgb(0 0 0 / 25%);
   --overlay-header-bg-active: var(--dropdown-content-bg);
   --dropdown-content-border: solid 1px rgb(220 220 220 / 20%);
   --current-header-bg: rgb(0 0 0 / 14%) !important;
   --header-bg: rgb(0 0 0 / 70%);
   --menu-toggle-clr: white;
   --mobile-menu-bg: rgb(0 0 0 / 95%);
   --menu-cta-border: var(--dropdown-content-border)
 }


 .on-hero-section {
   /* update variables when header is on hero section*/
 }

 /* header bg blure when on video section */
 html:not(.dwc-mobile) .dwc-nest-header.on-video-section {
   backdrop-filter: blur(var(--overlay-header-blur));
 }

 /* overlay header border when on video section or dark background*/
 .dwc-nest-header:is(.on-dark-bg, .on-video-section)[data-overlay-header="true"] {
   border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.2);
 }

 /* header bottom border when on dark background or video section*/
 .dwc-nest-header:is(.on-dark-bg, .on-video-section) {
   border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.2);
 }


 /* logo color when on dark background*/
 .on-dark-bg .dwc-nest-menu__logo path {
   fill: white;
 }

 /* logo color when on light background*/
 .on-dark-bg .dwc-nest-menu__logo path {
   /*define svg fill when logo is on light background */
 }

 /* logo color when on video background*/
 .on-video-section .dwc-nest-menu__logo path {
   fill: white;
 }

/*custom */

.on-dark-bg .mega-menu-magic__menu-icon-large{
   background-color: var(--current-header-bg);
    fill: #bc92e6;
    color: #bc92e6;
}

.on-video-section .mega-menu-magic__menu-icon-large{
   background-color: var(--current-header-bg);
    fill: #bc92e6;
    color: #bc92e6;
}

.on-video-section .mega-menu-magic__dropdown-title,
.on-dark-bg .mega-menu-magic__dropdown-title{
    color: rgb(210 210 210);   
}
// Constants
const BREAKPOINT_DESKTOP = 0;
const DEBOUNCE_DELAY = 50;

// Configuration object for all header-related selectors
const HEADER_CONFIG = {
  // Main header element
  headerElement: '.dwc-nest-header',
  // Wrapper element selectors (can be classes, IDs, or data attributes)
  wrapperSelectors: [
    // '.dwc-nest-header__container'
  ],
  // Elements to monitor for header styling (can include any CSS selector)
  // Default monitors sections, but you can add footer, divs, or any element
  monitoredElements: 'section, [data-header-zone]',
  // Store original header background color
  originalHeaderBgColor: null
};

// Unified section type configuration
// Add new data attributes here - they will be automatically mapped to header classes
const SECTION_TYPES = {
  'data-hero': 'on-hero-section',
  'data-video': 'on-video-section',
  'data-custom': 'on-custom-section',
  'data-sticky': 'on-media-section'
  // Add new: 'data-feature': 'on-feature-section'
};

// Configuration for excluded sections
const EXCLUSION_CONFIG = {
  // Data attribute that identifies sections to exclude from header styling
  sectionAttribute: 'data-exclude-header'
};

// Text color classes
const TEXT_CLASSES = {
  light: 'on-dark-bg',
  dark: 'on-light-bg'
};

// Generate classes to remove dynamically from SECTION_TYPES and text classes
const ALL_CLASSES_TO_REMOVE = [
  // Add all header classes from section types
  ...Object.values(SECTION_TYPES),
  // Add text color classes
  TEXT_CLASSES.light,
  TEXT_CLASSES.dark
];

// Performance optimization: Cache DOM elements and computed values
const CACHE = {
  headerElement: null,
  wrapperElement: null,
  sections: [],
  sectionsData: new Map(),
  colorCache: new Map(),
  tempColorElement: null,
  lastKnownSection: null,
  isUpdating: false,
  pendingColorUpdate: false
};

// Initialize cache
function initializeCache() {
  // Cache header elements
  CACHE.headerElement = document.querySelector(HEADER_CONFIG.headerElement);
  
  // Try each wrapper selector until one is found
  for (const selector of HEADER_CONFIG.wrapperSelectors) {
    CACHE.wrapperElement = document.querySelector(selector);
    if (CACHE.wrapperElement) break;
  }
  
  // Cache sections and their positions
  CACHE.sections = Array.from(document.querySelectorAll(HEADER_CONFIG.monitoredElements));
  
  // Create reusable element for color calculations
  CACHE.tempColorElement = document.createElement('div');
  CACHE.tempColorElement.style.position = 'absolute';
  CACHE.tempColorElement.style.visibility = 'hidden';
  CACHE.tempColorElement.style.pointerEvents = 'none';
  document.body.appendChild(CACHE.tempColorElement);
  
  // Cache section metadata
  updateSectionsCache();
}

// Update sections cache (call when DOM changes)
function updateSectionsCache() {
  CACHE.sections = Array.from(document.querySelectorAll(HEADER_CONFIG.monitoredElements));
  CACHE.sectionsData.clear();
  
  CACHE.sections.forEach((section, index) => {
    const sectionData = {
      index,
      isExcluded: section.hasAttribute(EXCLUSION_CONFIG.sectionAttribute)
    };
    
    // Dynamically check for all section types defined in SECTION_TYPES
    Object.keys(SECTION_TYPES).forEach(attribute => {
      sectionData[attribute] = section.hasAttribute(attribute);
    });
    
    CACHE.sectionsData.set(section, sectionData);
  });
}

// Function to remove all section classes from :root only
function removeAllSectionClasses() {
  const rootElement = document.documentElement;
  
  // Remove classes from :root only
  rootElement.classList.remove(...ALL_CLASSES_TO_REMOVE);
}

// Function to update the CSS variable on :root
function updateRootBackgroundVariable(color) {
  document.documentElement.style.setProperty('--current-header-bg', color);
}

// Function to apply classes to :root only
function applyClassesToRoot(headerClass, textClass) {
  const rootElement = document.documentElement;
  
  // Apply header class to :root only
  if (headerClass) {
    rootElement.classList.add(headerClass);
  }
  
  // Apply text class to :root only
  if (textClass) {
    rootElement.classList.add(textClass);
  }
}

// Optimized color conversion using cached temp element
function getRGBValues(color) {
  const cacheKey = color;
  if (CACHE.colorCache.has(cacheKey)) {
    return CACHE.colorCache.get(cacheKey);
  }
  
  CACHE.tempColorElement.style.color = color;
  const computedColor = window.getComputedStyle(CACHE.tempColorElement).color;
  
  // Extract RGB values
  const match = computedColor.match(/rgba?\((\d+),\s*(\d+),\s*(\d+)/);
  const result = match ? {
    r: parseInt(match[1]),
    g: parseInt(match[2]),
    b: parseInt(match[3])
  } : { r: 255, g: 255, b: 255 };
  
  // Cache the result
  CACHE.colorCache.set(cacheKey, result);
  return result;
}

// Function to check if a background color is transparent or empty
function isBackgroundTransparent(color) {
  if (!color) return true;
  
  const transparentValues = [
    'transparent',
    'rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)',
    'rgba(0,0,0,0)',
    'initial',
    'inherit',
    ''
  ];
  
  return transparentValues.includes(color.toLowerCase().replace(/\s/g, ''));
}

// Function to determine if a color is dark or light
function isColorDark(color) {
  if (color === 'transparent' || color === 'rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)') {
    return false;
  }
  
  const rgb = getRGBValues(color);
  const luminance = (0.299 * rgb.r + 0.587 * rgb.g + 0.114 * rgb.b) / 255;
  return luminance < 0.5;
}

// Optimized section detection using cached data
function getCurrentSection() {
  if (!CACHE.headerElement || CACHE.sections.length === 0) return null;
  
  const headerHeight = CACHE.headerElement.offsetHeight;
  
  // Quick check if we're still in the same section
  if (CACHE.lastKnownSection) {
    const rect = CACHE.lastKnownSection.getBoundingClientRect();
    if (rect.top <= headerHeight && rect.bottom > headerHeight) {
      return CACHE.lastKnownSection;
    }
  }
  
  // Binary search would be ideal here, but simple loop is sufficient for most cases
  for (const section of CACHE.sections) {
    const rect = section.getBoundingClientRect();
    if (rect.top <= headerHeight && rect.bottom > headerHeight) {
      CACHE.lastKnownSection = section;
      return section;
    }
  }
  
  const firstSection = CACHE.sections[0] || null;
  CACHE.lastKnownSection = firstSection;
  return firstSection;
}

// Function to get computed background color with caching
function getComputedBackgroundColor(element) {
  const cacheKey = element;
  if (CACHE.colorCache.has(cacheKey)) {
    return CACHE.colorCache.get(cacheKey);
  }
  
  const bgColor = window.getComputedStyle(element).backgroundColor;
  CACHE.colorCache.set(cacheKey, bgColor);
  return bgColor;
}

// Function to initialize original header background color
function initializeOriginalHeaderBgColor() {
  if (CACHE.headerElement) {
    HEADER_CONFIG.originalHeaderBgColor = window.getComputedStyle(CACHE.headerElement).backgroundColor;
  }
}

// Function to determine header style configuration based on section
function determineHeaderConfig(section) {
  if (!section) return null;
  
  const sectionData = CACHE.sectionsData.get(section);
  if (!sectionData) return null;
  
  // If section is excluded, return null to skip styling
  if (sectionData.isExcluded) {
    return null;
  }
  
  // Dynamically check for any section type defined in SECTION_TYPES
  for (const [attribute, headerClass] of Object.entries(SECTION_TYPES)) {
    if (sectionData[attribute]) {
      return {
        backgroundColor: null,
        headerClass: headerClass,
        needsWhiteText: null,
        isSpecialSection: true
      };
    }
  }
  
  // Get the actual background color of the section
  const sectionBgColor = getComputedBackgroundColor(section);
  
  if (isBackgroundTransparent(sectionBgColor)) {
    return {
      backgroundColor: HEADER_CONFIG.originalHeaderBgColor || 'rgb(255, 255, 255)',
      headerClass: null,
      needsWhiteText: isColorDark(HEADER_CONFIG.originalHeaderBgColor || 'rgb(255, 255, 255)'),
      isSpecialSection: false
    };
  }
  
  const needsWhiteText = isColorDark(sectionBgColor);
  
  return {
    backgroundColor: sectionBgColor,
    headerClass: null,
    needsWhiteText: needsWhiteText,
    isSpecialSection: false
  };
}

// Function to apply styles (background color to header, classes to :root only)
function applyHeaderStyles(config) {
  if (!CACHE.headerElement || !config) return;
  
  const elementsToStyle = [CACHE.headerElement, CACHE.wrapperElement].filter(Boolean);
  
  // Use requestAnimationFrame for smooth visual updates
  requestAnimationFrame(() => {
    // First, remove all section classes and text classes from :root only
    removeAllSectionClasses();
    
    // Update the root CSS variable with background color
    if (config.backgroundColor !== null) {
      const appliedBgColor = config.backgroundColor || '';
      updateRootBackgroundVariable(appliedBgColor);
    } else {
      updateRootBackgroundVariable('');
    }
    
    // Determine text class to apply
    const textClass = config.needsWhiteText !== null 
      ? (config.needsWhiteText ? TEXT_CLASSES.light : TEXT_CLASSES.dark)
      : null;
    
    // Apply classes to :root only
    applyClassesToRoot(config.headerClass, textClass);
    
    // Handle background color on header elements only
    elementsToStyle.forEach(element => {
      if (config.backgroundColor !== null) {
        const appliedBgColor = config.backgroundColor || '';
        element.style.backgroundColor = appliedBgColor;
      } else {
        element.style.backgroundColor = '';
      }
    });
    
    // For special sections, allow CSS to apply first, then get computed background color
    if (config.isSpecialSection && config.headerClass) {
      // Use setTimeout(0) to ensure CSS has been applied, but batch multiple calls
      if (!CACHE.pendingColorUpdate) {
        CACHE.pendingColorUpdate = true;
        setTimeout(() => {
          // Process all elements that need color updates in this batch
          elementsToStyle.forEach(el => {
            // Check if element has any of the section classes (though they're not applied anymore)
            const hasSectionClass = Object.values(SECTION_TYPES).some(className => 
              el.classList.contains(className)
            );
            
            if (hasSectionClass) {
              const computedBgColor = getComputedBackgroundColor(el);
              updateRootBackgroundVariable(computedBgColor);
            }
          });
          CACHE.pendingColorUpdate = false;
        }, 50);
      }
    }
    
    CACHE.isUpdating = false;
  });
}

// Throttled update function using requestAnimationFrame
function updateHeaderStyles() {
  // Prevent multiple updates in the same frame
  if (CACHE.isUpdating) return;
  
  // Apply only on screens larger than the breakpoint
  if (window.innerWidth <= BREAKPOINT_DESKTOP) {
    return;
  }
  
  CACHE.isUpdating = true;
  
  const currentSection = getCurrentSection();
  if (!currentSection) {
    CACHE.isUpdating = false;
    return;
  }
  
  const headerConfig = determineHeaderConfig(currentSection);
  if (!headerConfig) {
    CACHE.isUpdating = false;
    return;
  }
  
  applyHeaderStyles(headerConfig);
}

// Debounce function for resize events (less frequent)
function debounce(func, wait) {
  let timeout;
  return function executedFunction(...args) {
    const later = () => {
      clearTimeout(timeout);
      func(...args);
    };
    clearTimeout(timeout);
    timeout = setTimeout(later, wait);
  };
}

// RAF-based throttle for scroll events
let rafId = null;
function throttleWithRAF(func) {
  return function(...args) {
    if (rafId) return;
    
    rafId = requestAnimationFrame(() => {
      func.apply(this, args);
      rafId = null;
    });
  };
}

// Initialize everything
function initialize() {
  initializeCache();
  initializeOriginalHeaderBgColor();
  updateHeaderStyles();
}

// Cleanup function
function cleanup() {
  if (CACHE.tempColorElement && CACHE.tempColorElement.parentNode) {
    CACHE.tempColorElement.parentNode.removeChild(CACHE.tempColorElement);
  }
  if (rafId) {
    cancelAnimationFrame(rafId);
  }
}

// Initialize on page load
if (document.readyState === 'loading') {
  document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', initialize);
} else {
  initialize();
}

// Create optimized event handlers
const throttledUpdateHeaderStyles = throttleWithRAF(updateHeaderStyles);
const debouncedUpdateHeaderStyles = debounce(() => {
  updateSectionsCache(); // Refresh cache on resize
  updateHeaderStyles();
}, DEBOUNCE_DELAY);

// Add event listeners with passive option for better performance
window.addEventListener('scroll', throttledUpdateHeaderStyles, { passive: true });
window.addEventListener('resize', debouncedUpdateHeaderStyles, { passive: true });

// Cleanup on page unload
window.addEventListener('beforeunload', cleanup);

Case studies

The Impact of Recreation Facilities on College Recruitment: How Gyms Can Be Game-Changers

In today’s competitive higher education landscape, campus recreation centers have evolved into powerful recruitment tools. More than just fitness spaces, modern gyms and wellness facilities reflect a college’s commitment to student well-being, mental health, and community, key factors in attracting and retaining Gen Z students. Discover how innovative recreation centers are transforming college recruitment and learn proven strategies to make your gym a standout feature on any campus tour.

In the increasingly competitive landscape of higher education, colleges and universities are reevaluating how they attract prospective students. While academic prestige, tuition costs, and career outcomes remain vital, another powerful recruitment tool is reshaping the conversation: state-of-the-art recreation facilities.

large gym setup

Modern campus gyms, fitness centers, and wellness complexes have become more than just amenities—they’re game-changers in student recruitment. Today’s prospective students are looking beyond the classroom. They want to know what their day-to-day life will look like, and for many, that includes how, when, and where they can stay active and healthy.

Let’s explore the rising influence of recreation facilities in the college recruitment process, how they support retention, and what strategies institutions can adopt to maximize their impact.

Recreation Facilities as a Recruitment Asset: Changing Student Priorities

The current generation of students—especially Gen Z—places high value on wellness, mental health, and work-life balance. These priorities are evident in their college decision-making. For many, a campus tour isn’t complete without seeing the gym. In fact, NIRSA’s Benefits of Campus Recreation Report found that campus recreation facilities influence enrollment decisions in 68% of students. 

Why Recreation Centers Matter in Recruitment

College is about much more than academics—it’s a formative life experience. Recreation facilities provide essential support for that experience, from physical health to social connectivity. Here’s why they’re now vital in attracting new students:

  1. First Impressions Matter: When prospective students visit campus, recreation centers serve as visual proof that the institution values student well-being. Sleek, modern gyms stand out on campus tours and often leave a lasting impression.
  2. Differentiation in a Crowded Market: Many universities offer similar academic programs. Unique, high-quality recreation facilities offer a tangible way for institutions to differentiate themselves.
  3. Parents Take Notice: Parents—often key influencers in the decision—view recreation centers as indicators of campus safety, community, and care for student health.
  4. Media and Rankings Impact: Recreation facilities increasingly feature in campus lifestyle rankings, third-party college reviews, and “Best of” lists, impacting overall brand visibility.

Beyond Recruitment: Boosting Retention and Student Satisfaction

While recruitment is a starting point, student retention is the long game. Recreation centers play a critical role in keeping students happy, healthy, and on campus.

Numerous studies show that students who engage in regular physical activity report higher GPAs, improved mental health, and stronger social networks. A study by Michigan State University found that students who used recreation facilities had a 3.5% higher two-year retention rate than non-users. This seemingly small percentage translates into millions of dollars in retained tuition.

Access to gyms and wellness programs helps reduce stress, builds routine, and fosters community—three elements essential to keeping students engaged and enrolled.

Strategies for Making Recreation Facilities a Recruitment Powerhouse

To fully leverage the recruiting power of your recreation center, you will need a fitness center worth moving for. If your gym is older, underutilized, or due for a refresh, consider the following strategies:

  • Invest in Innovative Design: From custom equipment branding to wall graphics, mirror placement, internet infrastructure, and more, gym design professionals can help ensure your space is captivating and effective (while saving you time and money).
  • Leading Fitness Equipment: Go beyond basic gym equipment. Incorporate functional training zones, interactive connected equipment, climbing walls, esports lounges, recovery support, yoga rooms, weight rooms, and social spaces that reflect modern fitness trends and diverse student interests.
  • Host Interactive Campus Tours: Ensure campus visits include an engaging tour of the recreation center. Use this opportunity to highlight student-led fitness classes, wellness programs, and community-building events.
  • Collaborate with Admissions: Work directly with admissions teams to package recreation offerings into recruitment brochures, emails, and social media content aimed at prospective students.
  • Offer Free Trial Access During Preview Days: Let visiting students and families try out the gym or participate in a fitness class. Experience drives interest.
  • Incorporate Mental Wellness Spaces: Many leading recreation centers now feature meditation rooms, nap pods, or therapy dog days. These elements are extremely appealing to mental health-conscious students.
  • Capture and Share Aesthetics: A modern gym is a visual asset. Use drone footage, 360-degree tours, and well-edited social media reels to highlight the space.
  • Measure and Promote Impact: Collect data on how many students use your recreation center, its effect on retention, and its popularity in student surveys. Use these statistics in promotional materials and internal strategy discussions.

Case Studies: Gyms That Sell Campuses

Many universities have already turned their gyms into recruitment magnets, including:

Today’s students are looking for more than a place to study—they’re looking for a place to live, grow, and thrive. High-quality recreation facilities embody a university’s commitment to the complete student experience. Far from being optional amenities, modern gyms are central to recruitment, retention, and reputation.

Choose ASF’s College Rec Center Design and Installation Services

If your college or university wants to stand out to the next generation of students, ASF is your university gym partner. With our industry-leading equipment and end-to-end design, installation, branding, financing, and maintenance services, our specialists can transform your university rec center into a destination and retreat for scholars. We welcome you to contact us to learn more and get started today!

Ready to start your next project? Reach out to the Advantage team today.

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Case Studies

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Eight Winds

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Ford Field & River Club

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GeerHouse Apartments

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