Students use The Ray's “Functional Fitness Trainer" in fall 2019. Because the north half of the fitness floor is closed for renovation, this piece of equipment will not be available for use until mid-August. Masks or face coverings must be worn by all patrons in the facility. (Image courtesy of Gale Stewart)Tomorrow, July 17, the Ray Meyer Fitness Center on DePaul's Lincoln Park Campus will reopen for use with modified hours and activity area capacity limits. The facility is open to all current full-time undergraduate students, as well as other students, faculty and staff who purchase daily passes or
quarterly memberships.
“We look forward to welcoming Blue Demons back to the facility and meeting fitness, wellness and recreation needs in person," says Sarah E. Hardin, associate director of campus recreation.
The Ray will be open Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Friday from 6 a.m. – 7 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
While almost every space will be available, use is restricted to fewer people or a setup more conducive to doing activities in a way that reduces contact and movement near others. To comply with Illinois Phase 4 guidelines, staff at The Ray have made modifications throughout the facility:
- Cardio and strength equipment pieces have been moved so they are appropriately physically-distanced, and are available for drop-in use
- The pool (for lap swim), racquetball courts and multi-use basketball courts must be reserved ahead of time to keep the number of people in those areas within specified capacities; reservations are
available online or through The Ray at DePaul App
- Personal Fitness Spaces require reservations
- The track is limited to six runners/walkers
- Rental lockers are available; daily lockers and towels will not be available
- Water fountains are not available; only bottle fillers may be used
- Massage services, specialty programming, children's programming and swim lessons are still paused; group fitness classes will remain virtual at this time
- No guest passes will be sold until further notice, and no children under 16 will be allowed in;
students, faculty and staff may not bring in guests at this time
Beyond capacity limits and a modified equipment layout, staff at The Ray are taking additional measures to ensure patron and staff safety:
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All patrons and staff will be required to wear masks/facial coverings while in the facility and, in accordance with Chicago regulations, while exercising
- All individuals who enter the facility must respond to Chicago-mandated health screening questions related to potential COVID-19 symptoms
- Facility Operations installed clear plexiglass around membership and entrance desks; the staff has implemented contactless check-in
- Shower, locker, equipment and activity areas will be sanitized on regular rotations
- The Ray will provide personal protective equipment for all staff, including disposable gloves and masks, and have added more touch-free hand sanitizing stations
- Cleaning products are EPA-approved for use against COVID-19
“Faculty, staff and students can expect safe and efficient use of the facility. We have intentionally moved equipment and set up activity areas so that people may enjoy their use without feeling cramped or worried," Hardin says.
“Just like every other university recreation center, we are approaching our opening plan as a 'work in progress' at this time. We're confident our setup will provide a safe experience and hopeful it will be conducive to a fun one. Once people begin to use The Ray again, we welcome feedback that may result in some changes to help us better serve the DePaul community."
Visit
The Ray website for more information.