The long-awaited phased reopening of the ARC is just around the corner.
As of Sept. 8, the Athletics and Recreation Centre (ARC) North will be open to Queen’s students, while Sept. 14 will mark its opening to Queen’s staff and faculty. Sept. 21 will mark the opening of ARC North, ARC South, and West Campus Fields, an hours of operation extension, and the welcoming of all other ARC members.
On Oct. 1, the Q-Sports Medicine Clinic will open, and the pool may be finished maintenance, according to Athletics.
Signage is going up @QueensARC ! Thanks to @gilmoreprinting for all the help. New ARC experience begins next week! pic.twitter.com/uKMZPGTVCH
— Jeff Downie (@jeff_downie) September 1, 2020
Students can also expect hours and activities to expand on a weekly basis, with select activities and intramurals set to return in late September.
Like other public spaces such as restaurants, the ARC will have a sign-in procedure in compliance with the COVID-19 Contact Tracing Initiative.
For gym-goers, check-in begins 15 minutes before the scheduled activity time; the new ARC entry is directly off Earl street. The ARC is asking members to have their SeQure app COVID self-assessment verification, membership card or student ID, and registration confirmation ready to present to staff at the screening table.
Members are also expected to book zone space in advance. Students are permitted one zone per day and 50 minutes of activity within that zone and are given 10 minutes to leave the building. Walk-ins are currently not allowed, but students can register up to three days in advance.
Students are being asked to clean equipment before and after their session, using the disinfectant products provided. Custodial staff will also disinfect equipment after every individual session in a zone. Hand sanitizer will be present at all entrances and throughout facilities.
As well, students are encouraged to bring their own hand sanitizer and water bottles—drinking fountains will be unavailable—but will be asked to keep personal belongings and loose items to a minimum. Items brought are to be stored in a provided tote.
Indoor fitness classes will be offered in gyms or studios in small-class size formats.
The ARC’s capacity is set at a goal of approximately 136 people per hour. Members will be monitored closely and spread throughout the entire facility.
Activity zones or pods include cardio, lifting, women’s fitness, and more. Only one person is permitted per pod. Members are not permitted to share pods, change pods, or move equipment.
Change rooms are closed and changing in washrooms is not allowed. Members are expected to arrive at the ARC ready to workout.
Equipment has been relocated to accommodate proper physical distancing procedure.
Aside from its physical reopening, the ARC continues to offer online activities like virtual classes and fitness tips.
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