RETURN OF THE REC is finally here!
As of Monday, August 17th we have 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. 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.
For Phase II, here's all you need to know before you go:
MASK MANDATE
Friendly reminder masks are required to be worn upon entering/exiting the REC, in common areas such as hallways, locker rooms, pool deck, walking the fitness floor between exercises, etc. If you are actively exercising and able to keep at least 6 feet from all others, it is okay to remove your mask. Just do not forget to put it back on when you are done with your set, cleaning the machine, walking around or talking to others! Members must provide own masks (and pulling your shirt up over your mouth and nose does not count! ? )
IMPORTANT DATES
As of September 15: Now accepting new and or returning Eligible Members (ages 16 and up!)
- No Sponsored Guests/Punch Cards until further notice.
- We will continue to remain at 50% capacity.
- 6PM is the busiest, but we haven’t reached max capacity yet. Averaging 200 visits per day since reopening.
- TMC Institutional ID always required for every renewal and/or purchase.
- Children under the age of 16 are still not allowed and likely not for the foreseeable future.
- Payment can now be accepted by credit and debit cards! Checks or cash also still accepted.
- Note: (EFT) auto-payments are drafted by bank accounts only. No credit cards allowed.
***September 17: COVID-19 Closure Form is due Thursday, 9/17***
It’s already been one month since we reopened and our 30 – day deadline is here! Many of you have returned to the REC or returned your COVID-19 Closure Form. If you have done so already – thank you – and please disregard this message! For all others, please read on:
FOR THOSE WITH PAID MEMBERSHIPS DURING THE COVID-19 CLOSURE:
- If you have not completed the COVID-19 Closure Form or stopped by the REC, Thursday is the deadline.
- If you’d like to return to the REC now, return at a later date or receive a refund, the COVID-19 Closure Form must be returned by Thursday.
- Without that form, there will be no refunds or extensions due to COVID-19 past Thursday.
- If the COVID-19 Closure Form is not received by Thursday, your prior membership will be considered a donation and will not be extended or refunded.
FOR MEMBERS PAYING BY EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer):
- Credit from closure was applied to August/September.
- Monthly auto-payment will resume in October and will continue to draft between the 6th – 8th of each month.
- Any changes to your EFT require written notification.
- To hold or cancel, complete the EFT Form.
CHANGES TO EXPECT AT THE REC
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CLEANING: 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.
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DEEP CLEAN
- Prior to reopening, facility will be sterilized by a SteraMist (TM)
- Continuous scheduled disinfection of high-touch areas
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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
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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
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PHYSICAL DISTANCING: While working out is good for our physical, mental and social health, we will need to practice safe, physical distancing. |
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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
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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 40, Cardio Area: 15, 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
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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
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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. |
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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
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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
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UPDATED HOURS
RESUME REGULAR HOURS 9/8:
Monday - Friday: 5:30AM to 10PM
Saturday: 8AM to 8PM
Sunday: 10AM to 8PM
Pool closes 30 minutes prior to facility.
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LOCATION
1832 West Road
Houston, TX 77054
Map & Driving Directions
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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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