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U.Va. releases plans to reopen AFC, other recreational facilities by offering limited, reservable fitness time

Students and members will be required to reserve fitness time via a mobile app or online

Locker rooms, the track, the basketball courts, multipurpose rooms, weight rooms and social areas will remain closed.
Locker rooms, the track, the basketball courts, multipurpose rooms, weight rooms and social areas will remain closed.

The University announced Monday plans to reopen the Aquatic and Fitness Center, the Park Artificial Turf Fields and Snyder Tennis Courts for students and members beginning Aug. 3 with several modifications. However, guests of members will not be permitted at the AFC nor the turf fields.

“We will be monitoring demand and availability closely and modifying this plan to maximize availability without compromising anyone's security,” the procedure read.

The AFC will reopen with a modified schedule — 10:00 a.m. to 8:15 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. on Saturdays — and require patrons to reserve fitness time through its mobile app or website. Reservations will open July 30 at noon and can be made up to one week in advance with a limit of one 75-minute time block per day, per member. 

Available space will include the fitness area, limited to up to 25 people at a time. Patrons may make use of the cardio and weight machines.

The procedure ensures that all fitness equipment and “high touch points” will be sanitized during the 45-minute wait period in between reservable fitness blocks. The fitness area will include additional hand sanitizer stations, and staff will be wearing protective equipment at all times. 

Members are encouraged to practice “gym etiquette” and wear face masks at all times except while using cardio equipment. The staff asked patrons to limit the amount of personal items they bring into the AFC and demonstrate safe exercise practices.

“Wipe down equipment before and after use,” the procedure read. “Please give everyone plenty of space to exercise. Allow at least 6 feet of distance.”

Loose equipment, towels, locker access, water fountains and cubbies will not be available. Locker rooms, the track, the basketball courts, multipurpose rooms, weight rooms and social areas will remain closed. Juice Laundry and TJ’s Locker will also remain closed.

The procedure also announced that the walking path at the Park is currently open for socially distanced, recreational fitness but will not permit gatherings of more than 50 people. The Park’s Artificial Turf Fields will open August 3 and can be reserved for up to 25 people per time block of one hour and 15 minutes.

Snyder Tennis Courts will be reopening for student and member use beginning August 3 and will be available for reservation of up to two people per court.

The procedure detailed on the University Rec Sports website asked patrons to take personal responsibility and adhere to the new safety measures. 

“The success of this plan is a shared responsibility among all of us to be informed and work together for the safety of our community,” the procedure read.

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