Before Lake Claire housing was built, the Lake Claire Recreation Area was constructed. The recreation area was the largest designated item in Student Government’s 1971-1972 fiscal year budget, according to a January 1972 article in the FuTUre. The first proposed finish of the recreation area was February 1, 1972 however this was postponed because of permitting issues and lack of funds. The new opening date was May 21, 1972 with the help of students and staff, who assisted in cleaning up the area from construction materials.

In February of 1981, three picnic pavilions, a barbecue pit, outdoor showers, and new restroom facilities that had been installed. By September of 1981, renovations to the partially completed recreation area took place, including additional picnic tables, sand on the beach, and more lighting.

The Lake Claire Recreation area underwent renovations again in 2011 with $1.7 million spent on reconstruction of the entire Lake Claire area. Renovations included additional pavilions, sand volleyball courts and updated infrastructure such as outdoor lighting and sidewalk realignment. With the new pavilions the area is able to seat up to 100 people or more rather than the maximum 50 it previously seated. Renovations on Lake Claire happened in two phases, the first included new pavilions while the second phase focused on safe areas and a boat house. The renovations were complete by April of 2011.