By: Mariah Allison
COVID-19 has left many students a little confused as to how recreational activities outside the classroom are occurring this year, one of the favorites being exercising at the SuRF. It is a little scary to be working out at the gym because it is considered a high-risk area, so Bellarmine officials want to assure students and members they are exercising in the safest conditions possible. Here are some changes that you need to know the next time you go into the SuRF:
- Capacity is 50 people
- Stay home if you are sick or feel sick
- Remain at least 6 feet apart from others
- No gathering in groups
- No socializing in the lobby
- Guests are not allowed
- Bring your own towels and equipment
- Showers and lockers are currently closed
- Face coverings must be worn, except when using cardio machines
The SuRF has new hours based on Kentucky’s Phase 2 regulations. The new hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with a maximum capacity of 50 people. From 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., the SuRF is open strictly for high-risk people, such as those with underlying health conditions or older patrons. The SuRF is open only for students, faculty, and staff. Guests are not allowed in the facility, and showers and lockers are temporarily closed.
Before the pandemic, students could borrow basketballs, volleyballs, bikes, towels, etc. in exchange for their student ID. Students may still use the courts, “as long as they bring their own balls and there is no direct contact between people playing,” SuRF staff member John Klapheke said.
The SuRF is also following CDC guidelines by enforcing the use of masks and social distancing. The staff members are enforcing masks be worn at all times, with the exception of when using a cardio machine, such as treadmills, bikes, and ellipticals. Student Anastatius Lauderdale said, “Bellarmine is doing phenomenal compared to other universities when it comes to masks.”
The SuRF staff also asks for groups not to congregate at one machine to maintain social distancing. Every other cardio machine is closed off to maintain social distancing, but Cynthia Lally, assistant director of campus recreation, said “the staff will move some of the cardio machines on the courts later this month to allow more students to be able to use the machines.”
Intramural sports are still being played. Lally helped create an internal schedule of 1 to 2 person teams to allow for social distancing. There is a full schedule for every Thursday evening with sports such as kickball and cup pong.
Sanitation is being done often to minimize the risk of catching the virus. Staff members are regularly cleaning all the machines, not just limited to benches and cardio machines like before. They are now careful to clean anything that can be touched, such as stability balls, TRX straps, and cables. The staff members use a plant-based cleaner that is safer than other cleaners. Anyone using equipment is expected to clean all surfaces with wipes provided after use.
Other changes include removing furniture, the pool table, and ping pong tables in the lobby. Klapheke said the SuRF, “may move furniture back in the lobby once Kentucky goes into Phase 3,” and adjustments to the hours will also be made.