As students settle into a new “normal” at NSU, NSU’s Recreation and Wellness Complex, or Recplex, is working hard to provide its members, NSU staff and students with a safe and socially distant way to stay in shape this semester. Continue reading below for a brief overview of what to expect if you plan on utilizing the RecPlex this semester.
General requirements
Like other public spaces on campus, NSU’s RecPlex requires students to wear a face mask or covering while using the facility, even while working out. In addition to wearing a mask, social distancing will also be enforced throughout the complex. Exercise machines have been spaced out to help individuals maintain a safe distance.
Upon entering the RecPlex, students will be required to comply with a routine temperature check. Students with a temperature of 100.1 degrees Fahrenheit or lower will be cleared to enter. Furthermore, contrary to previous semesters, the complex is open only to members, NSU students and staff, meaning guests are not permitted. Due to county guidelines, the Recplex is permitted to operate at a 50% capacity, meaning that, although unlikely, students may encounter wait times before entering. Students with flexible schedules are encouraged to avoid high traffic times, such as the early evenings.
Available facilities
While most facilities will remain open for use, due to county orders, all showers and saunas are closed to patrons. Additionally, the rock wall is closed at this time.
Adjusted hours
As of Aug. 17, the RecPlex is open from 6-9 a.m., 12-2 p.m. and 4-9 p.m. on weekdays, with additional limited hours on the weekends, allowing time for the facility to be regularly disinfected. Between these times, a professional cleaning crew in conjunction with RecPlex staff will make sure that all high traffic areas are disinfected so they are safe for students to use.
Tom Vitucci, the director of recreation and wellness at NSU, said, “As an industry best practice, and to minimize potential exposure, we felt like we needed those intermittent closures to complete uninterrupted cleaning and sanitizing multiple times per day.”
Tiffany McChesney, the assistant director for RecPlex operations, further explained that any type of surface, including exercise equipment, dumbbells and more, will be routinely cleaned. “Anything we are touching, we are cleaning,” she said, “That’s a big thing.”
Group exercise
Group exercise classes at the Recplex will also look different this year. All classes will be held in the RecPlex West indoor basketball court or the RecPlex outdoor basketball court and will require students to sign up in advance. Signups will be posted approximately 48 hours in advance on imleagues.com. For further instructions on how to access the list of classes and sign up, visit the recreation and wellness page on NSU’s website. Students can also call the RecPlex front desk at (954) 262-7301 to receive updates on the classes offered for that week. For classes like yoga, yoga mats and other equipment will no longer be provided, though students are encouraged to bring their own. The same goes for equipment rentals as well. With the exception of tables tennis and billiard equipment, students will not be able to rent out equipment for use.
Pool rules
While students are still allowed to swim and lay out at the RecPlex leisure pool, chairs and other pool furniture have been removed from the pool area for the safety of everyone.
Other guidelines
Contact sports, including pick up and full-court basketball, are not permitted at this time. However, three people are allowed per basket for “shoot around.” Additionally, guidelines permit only four people to play tennis and two people to play racquetball at a time.
Signage
Seems like a lot? No worries. There will be lots of signage around the RecPlex reminding students of the new requirements. Students can also check out the NSU RecWell website for a comprehensive list of all the COVID-19 policies. Make sure to keep an eye out for emails and follow @nsurecwell for updates and information.
