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UTHealth's TAKE ON GOV. ABBOTT'S UPDATE: 3/3/21

From the President of UTHealth, Dr. Colasurdo:

Given the nature of our work as an academic health center and the inherent risks to our workforce and student body, UTHealth will continue our existing preventative measures and policies. We remain committed to following CDC guidelines, including social distancing, masking, thorough handwashing, and other precautionary measures, including conducting meetings and gatherings virtually whenever possible.

Your safety, as always, remains our highest priority. As health care leaders, we must remain vigilant and model the safest behavior for others. It is our responsibility to continue safe practices, to monitor our temperature and any symptoms of illness, to stay home or seek medical attention when we are sick, and to adapt our personal habits for the public well-being.

With that, the REC will continue to do its part:

  • Wear a mask!  Masks required unless actively working out AND maintaining at least a 6 foot distance from all others.  Masks must be worn upon entering/exiting the REC, in common areas such as hallways, locker rooms, pool deck, walking the fitness floor between exercises, etc.  Members must provide own masks.
  • Members must get temperature checked by the free-standing touchless temperature check station upon entry.
  • Maximum capacity of 75% at any given time.
  • When possible come ready to workout.  Only bring the essentials!  Leave as many personal items at home as possible.
  • Bring your own water bottle and refill at our contactless bottle filling stations. Drinking Fountains are not available.
  • Maintain at least 6 feet separation from other individuals not within your same household.
  • All members required to wipe down equipment before and after use with the product provided.
  • Clean hands frequently!  Use hand sanitizer or wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

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As of Monday, August 17th the REC reopened our doors with a Texas-size welcome and a high five from at least 6 feet away. We started with Phase I and moved into our Phase II following Labor Day. As of October 5th, we are in Phase III. Assuming all goes well, we will continue to evolve the guidelines to best meet the needs of our community and gradually move into other phases as safety allows.

In Phase III we have increased from 50% to 75% capacity (but have not yet reach max capacity in any phase) and we are beginning individual, virtual and distanced programs – all with COVID-19-appropriate limitations. We are also accepting Sponsored Guests which now includes: Single-Day Guest Pass and 7 Days Inclusive Guest Pass. We are no longer selling 5-Visit Punch Cards or accepting previously purchased 5-Visit Punch Cards for entry.

For full details and important deadlines, please make sure to read Know Before You Go and the Updated Sponsored Guest Options.

Changes to expect at the Recreation Center

Rec Center Cleaning

Spray Bottle Image

We continue to follow stringent sanitization protocols for proper disinfection, operation and maintenance, as well as incorporating additional procedures to achieve an even safer level of cleanliness.

Rec Center Cleaning

  • Cleaning

    Spray Bottle Image

    We continue to follow stringent sanitization protocols for proper disinfection, operation and maintenance, as well as incorporating additional procedures to achieve an even safer level of cleanliness.

  • Deep Clean
    • Prior to reopening, facility will be sterilized by a SteraMist (TM)
    • Continuous scheduled disinfection of high-touch areas
  • Daily Clean
    • Staff will receive ongoing training as guidelines continue to evolve
    • Standard cleaning spray has been upgraded to a single product that is an antibacterial cleaner, disinfectant, sanitizer, deodorizer, fungicide, mildewstat and virucide
    • Reusable towels have been replaced with one-time use wipes and paper towels
  • Self-Clean Sanitization Stations
    • Easy, readily available options for cleaning and disinfecting
    • 10+ new stainless steel floor dispensers with gym wipes throughout Weight Room, Cardio Area and Group Fitness Studio
    • Disposable paper towels will be stocked with additional sanitizing and disinfecting spray
    • Additional bottles of hand sanitizer all throughout facility

Rec Center Social Distancing

Social Distancing Image

While working out is good for our physical, mental and social health, we will need to practice safe, physical distancing.

Rec Center Social Distancing

  • Physical Distancing
    Social Distancing Image

    While working out is good for our physical, mental and social health, we will need to practice safe, physical distancing.

  • Equipment Spacing
    • Luckily, with the recent updated layout of the Weight Room, equipment/machines are already 6 feet apart
    • In the Cardio Area, every other machine is offline to promote 6 foot spacing
    • Removal of some of the free weights and benches to ensure safe distancing
    • Increased spacing where needed between equipment and within workout areas
    • Group Fitness Studio is has 6 square foot spaces marked on the flooring for individual workouts (not classes yet)
    • Bright, clear and consistent signage reminders throughout the REC
  • Limited Usage
    • Based on current occupancy levels and spacing requirements, areas of use will be limited to the following number of patrons in each area at a time: Weight Room and Mat Stretching Area 60, Cardio Area: 20, Outdoor Tennis Courts, Pickleball Court and Table Tennis Area 2 Per Court/Table, Swimming Pool 13 (1 Person/Lane = 10 + 1 Shallow End+ 2 Deep End Lanes for Walking/Water Exercise
    • Note: Members are allowed to use multiple areas as long as no more than 75 people are in the facility at a time
    • Lap Swimming Only - No Open Swim
    • No one under the age of 16 allowed in pool or on deck until further notice
    • No deck access for leisure lounging/tanning/etc
    • Limited locker room use, limited showers (inside and out,) sinks and changing area spaces
    • No drinking fountains available, but the contactless bottle filling stations are available
  • Offline / Not Available
    • No drinking fountains available, but the contactless bottle filling stations are available
    • No lounge chairs on the pool deck, no tanning, lounging, individual or group seating
    • No outdoor basketball (including games or individual shooting practice)
    • No racquetball (the court will be used for table tennis only)
    • No group workouts, activities, fitness classes or swim lessons
    • All locker rentals suspended, but a select few Daily Use lockers will be spaced and available
    • No porous equipment such as individual mats, foam rollers, bands, ropes, belts, etc
Hospital Mask Image

Members + Staff = Teamwork: It will take both us and you to take on an important role in making the REC a safe experience for all.

What we are preparing to welcome you

  • Anyone entering the building, including staff, must get temperature checked by new free-standing touchless temperature check station
  • Staff is required to wear a mask and gloves at all times
  • Shields are installed around the Front Desk
  • Adding a touchless credit card transaction (finally!) For individual charges, not recurring fees
  • Staff will serve at Floor Monitors to ensure safe practicing while working out

What we need from you to help keep yourself, staff and other members safe

  • Wear a mask! Masks required unless actively working out. Masks must be worn upon entering/exiting the REC, in common areas such as hallways, locker rooms, pool deck, walking the fitness floor between exercises, etc. Members must provide own masks
  • Members must get temperature checked by new free-standing touchless temperature check station upon entry
  • When possible come ready to workout. Only bring the essentials! Leave as many personal items at home as possible
  • Bring your own water bottle and refill at our contactless bottle filling stations (Weight Room and Cardio Area.) Drinking Fountains are not available
  • Maintain at least 6 feet separation from other individuals not within your same household
  • All members required to wipe down equipment before and after use with the product provided
  • Clean hands frequently! Use hand sanitizer or wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds

HOURS

Monday - Friday: 5:30AM to 10PM
Saturday: 8AM to 8PM
Sunday: 10AM to 8PM
Pool closes 30 minutes prior to facility.

LOCATION

1832 West Road
Houston, TX 77054

Map & Driving Directions

PHONE NUMBERS

Main: 713-500-8420
Weather Line:713-500-8415
Fax: 713-500-8409

For general inquiries, contact:
REC@uth.tmc.edu 

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