Facilities like the Student Recreation center have played a role in welcoming students back to the University of Idaho. The SRC changed their guidelines for the 2020-21 school year by implementing a mask requirement.
The SRC also changed how the building will socially distance its equipment. The center will also be setting up sanitization stations throughout the facility. A maximum of 70 patrons are allowed at a time, and there will be no temperature checks in the building.
“We trust that individuals will make the right choice not to come in if their temperature is high or if they’re feeling sick,” Rusty Vineyard, executive director of the SRC, said.
The SRC changed their hours of operation to close throughout the day for two to three hours in order to clean used spaces. On weekdays, they will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4p.m. to 7 p.m. On the weekend, they’re open from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1p.m. to 4 p.m.
They will no longer be taking reservations for equipment and use of multiple pieces of equipment is allowed. Showers will be closed in all restrooms.
The climbing center will be available for seven people at a time. It will be open on weekdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. On Saturday it will be open from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and closed on Sundays.
“Our goal is to be able to stay open and offer Vandals the option to participate in activities and stay healthy,” Vineyard said.
Even though the SRC is open, there are still certain items that are unavailable for use. Locker rooms, basketball courts, equipment rentals, fitness studios, sunset lounge, rowing cave, stretching areas, medicine and bosu balls are unavailable. WellSpace and the classrooms are closed as well.
Social distancing is required in the building at all times and group gatherings are not allowed. Vineyard said patrons can talk to one another for a short time but once a group starts to gather the SRC staff will ask them to break apart. The SRC will continue to stay open after classes go completely online after Thanksgiving.
Armin Mesinovic can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @arminmesinovic.