Keep Moving, Terps

Update July 20, 2020: RecWell facilities are currently closed. 

The Eppley Recreation Center, Outdoor Aquatic Center, and the Bouldering Wall will reopen on Monday August 3, 2020. If local jurisdictions (University, county and state level) remain in phase 2 (or higher) reopening status, these facilities will remain open throughout the fall semester. 

Anticipated Reopening dates for other RecWell facilities:

*ALL dates are subject to change based on public health officials' recommendations for phased reopening

UMD students, who are registered for classes in the fall, may purchase a non-registered student summer membership online to use RecWell facilities from August 3 - August 30 for $15. 

RecWell’s top priority is the well-being of all those in our community including students, faculty, and staff. We call upon all our members to come together to do their part to protect themselves and each other. This includes abiding by posted signs, wearing face coverings, washing hands, cleaning equipment, and practicing physical distancing.

Cleaning protocols include:

• Increased frequency of cleaning and disinfecting oh high touch surfaces. High contact surfaces in weight and fitness spaces will be cleaned with EPA approved disinfectant every two hours
• Patrons utilizing weight rooms will be provided with a bottle of disinfectant and a towel to wipe down all equipment before and after use
• Disinfecting gym wipes will continue to be available throughout the building

In line with the campus-wide 4MARYLAND guidelines, RecWell patrons and participants should:

• Stay home if you are sick or experiencing symptoms of Covid-19 
• Wear a face covering or mask at all times indoors or outdoors when others are nearby 
• Keep appropriate physical distance between you and others. In many RecWell spaces, ten(10) feet of space is recommended due to the nature of increased respiration during exercise
• Wash your hands regularly, using soap and water for at least 20 seconds. When soap and running water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. 

Yes, face coverings are required at all times while visiting RecWell facilities, including while exercising. The ONLY exception to this policy is a face covering may be removed for lap swimming. Please note, face coverings should be worn into the natatorium and onto the pool deck and only removed just prior to entering the water and replaced immediately upon exiting the water.  

Face coverings will be available for purchase at the Member Services desk just inside the main front doors. 

Please consider the following recommendations prior to engaging in physical activity while wearing a face covering:

• Ensure your face covering is comfortable and secure prior to engaging in physical activity. Avoid touching your face and limit touching/adjusting your face covering during physical activity as much as possible. 
• Carry a second face covering with you and replace face coverings when they become damp/wet while engaging in physical activity.
• Try to utilize a face covering with two layers that is made from breathable, synthetic materials as they can help lessen moisture buildup compared to surgical, paper, or cotton fabric face coverings and those with more than two layers.
• STOP physical activity or take a break if breathing becomes difficult. Aim to perform higher intensity exercises outdoors or in areas with greater physical distancing opportunities. 
• If you have existing heart or lung conditions, decrease the intensity of your typical physical activity and stop immediately if breathing becomes difficult or you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or sick. 
• After physical activity, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. Once in a safe and proper setting to do so, remove your face covering by only touching the back or straps and avoid touching your face. 
• Wash your face covering after each use if it is reusable cloth or discard single use face coverings.

Additional Considerations 

• Face coverings are not recommended or possible for everyone. There are disability and health issues that make face coverings very uncomfortable, challenging, or problematic. Some individuals with disabilities or health issues, including but not limited to heart conditions, lung and breathing conditions, hearing disabilities, cognitive disabilities, autism, trauma survivors, and others may** be exempt from mandatory face covering policies. 
• **RecWell staff are not able to issue face covering exemptions for any reason. In order to respect your confidential health information, please contact Accessibility and Disability Service to discuss alternative options in meeting your recreation needs. The phone number for Accessibility and Disability Service is 301-314-7682. For more information, please visit their website at https://www.counseling.umd.edu/ads/

• Per guidelines related to physical activity, in many RecWell spaces you will be asked to keep 10ft of distance between yourself and others
• Floor markings and directional signage will be posted for navigating the building and while in certain spaces 
• Capacity limits will be identified per space and will meet or exceed standards established by public health officials 
• Layout changes, including equipment moved to new spaces such as the east and west gyms 
• Reservation check in stations throughout the building. Access to most spaces will be limited to those with a reservation 

RecWell recognizes the value of building social connections while staying active. During this time of physical distancing, it is more important than ever to identify low risk opportunities for connecting with others on campus. To achieve that goal, RecWell plans to offer programming opportunities during the FALL SEMESTER (on or about August 31) that comply with CDC and local county health official's recommendations. Examples of this programming includes:

• Group Fitness classes offered in larger spaces and with reduced capacity
• Intramural Sports activities modified to maintain physical distancing and reduce shared equipment
  • Intramural Sports will offer low risk and moderate risk activities in alignment with Governor Hogan's Roadmap to Recovery Plan and with approval from University health officials.
  • Low risk activities involve small numbers of participants having very little to no chance of coming within six feet of each other, and occasionally share an object (such as a tennis ball). Examples include tennis, table tennis, soccer tennis, and bean bag toss. 
  • Moderate risk activities involve larger numbers of participants, with a small chance of intermittently coming within six feet of each other - these activities would be modified to reduce the chances of participants being within six feet of each other to as close to zero as possible. Examples include modified kickball and modified softball. 
• Adventure programming modified to maintain physical distancing and reduce shared equipment
  • Climb: The bouldering grotto and climbing wall will be open weather permitting. Advanced registration is required to access these spaces. 
  • Trips: Local, in-state day trips that use bike transportation will be offered. Advanced reservations are required.   
  • Clinics: Virtual and in-person clinics will be offered. In-person clinics will be modified to accommodate for appropriate social distancing. 
  • Bike Shop: Patrons will be able to rent bikes through a contactless system. Additionally, patrons will be able to schedule an appointment to drop off their bike for maintenance and repairs. Patrons will not be allowed in the bike shop for the fall semester.
  • Equipment Rental: Contactless outdoor equipment rental through a curbside pick-up and drop-off system will be offered. Advanced reservations are required.
     
• Club Sport practices will be limited to conditioning and strengthening activities as long as physical distancing can be maintained

Staff can be reached by email at recwell@umd.edu or by phone (301.226.4400) 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Looking for someone else? Please visit our staff directory linked here,