University Recreation to Open in a Limited Capacity on July 6

University Recreation

Students work out on physically distanced apparatus as University Recreation prepares a limited reopening of exercise facilities.

University Recreation plans to reopen on Monday, July 6. The HPER Building will open under limited days and hours per day. A UREC COVID-19 Response and Plan website has been created to inform UREC members of the latest information pertaining to hours of operation, member and staff expectations, how to access the facility, and to be the first stop for changes in operating protocols.

In  the  first phase  of the plan,  the  Donna Axum Fitness Center and the locker rooms, located on the second floor of the HPER Building, will be the only open facilities. The Donna Axum Fitness  Center will be co-located between its current location and the Gymnasium on  the second  floor. Toilets, sinks, and rented lockers will be available during phase 1, however, showers and saunas will remain closed.

University Recreation is taking additional precautions to ensure the health and wellbeing of our members and staff. These additional measures include increased cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces, modified operating hours and access procedures, requirement of face coverings by staff and members when not exercising, and increased hand sanitizer stations located throughout the facility. Additionally, all staff are required to complete a daily screening  and members will have to acknowledge an attestation  prior  to entering the facility, per the Arkansas Department of Health directive.

Accessing UREC facilities and programs will look different. Access and exit points will be restricted. Members will be required to enter through the  first floor (west side) entrance of the HPER Building, adjacent to the Meadow Street Parking Garage. UREC members will need to make a reservation in order to access the facility. Beginning on June 29, reservations can be made between 6 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Members can make a reservation through their member portal  at urecmembers.uark.edu. Additionally, all UREC members will need to complete a Facility Access waiver prior to entry. Members are strongly encouraged to download the UREC App (available on Android and iPhone) by searching urecarkansas, for a touchless check-in experience.

Members should limit the number of personal items they bring but are strongly encouraged to bring their own water bottle, sweat towel, membership identification, and face covering. Members must wipe down equipment before and after use  and  follow the state mandated social distancing guidelines: 6 feet apart from others  in common spaces and 12 feet apart  while  exercising.

Phase 1 Hours of Operation are listed below:

• The HPER Building will be open from 6 a.m. to 6:40 p.m. Monday to Friday, with a midday closure from 1:10-2:30 p.m. to allow for an additional cleaning and disinfection.

For more information, please visit urec.uark.edu/covid19. For questions, email urec@uark.edu.