File photo of the University of Lethbridge, as seen from a distance (Lethbridge News Now)

By Justin Goulet

U of L’s 1st Choice Savings Centre to reopen with limits on July 13

Jul 8, 2020 | 9:44 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The 1^st Choice Savings Centre at the University of Lethbridge has a reopening date.

The facility will open its doors following COVID-19 closures on Monday, July 13, in a limited capacity.

“We look forward to welcoming our members back to our facilities,” said Bill Halma, director of Horns Recreation, adding the facility will operate in a “much different manner” for safety purposes.

Weight machines in the Fitness Centre has been spread out to allow for proper physical distancing.

Additionally, the spin bikes, rowers and ellipticals have been moved into PE 152 or up to the track.

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Benches will be spaced out in the free weight area and the stretching area will be marked to accommodate for physical distancing.

Users of the Climbing Wall will have to wear a mask when climbing and distancing will be employed between ropes.

Applying to the entire facility, each individual will have to book a time slot in advance to allow for control of numbers in the building and allow for necessary cleaning between users.

All locker and change rooms will remain closed, so users are asked to arrive at the facility dressed for their respective activity.

The U of L noted that for the month of July, access to the Centre for Sport & Wellness (CSW) will be through the south doors only.

All users are asked to park in Lot G, with no charges being imposed for parking.

The hours of operation are as follows:

· Monday to Friday: 5:30 to 7 a.m.; 7:30 to 9 a.m.; 3:30 to 5 p.m.; 5:30 to 7 p.m.; 7:30 to 9 p.m.

· Saturday & Sunday: 9:30 to 11 a.m.; 11:30 to 1 p.m.; 1:30 to 3 p.m.

The hours listed above will be in effect for the month of July. Depending on feedback and overall usage, the hours may be extended for August.

Horns Recreation has also set up a special COVID-19 price of $5 per drop-in visit or $75 for a punch pass of 20 visits. That will expire on August 31. The pricing applies to access the Stadium during open times.

Each space will have a maximum number of occupants at any given time. Bookable time slots in the CSW or the Stadium are 90 minutes long. Bookings must be made in advance and online here.

Anyone needing assistance can contact Horns Recreation at 403-329-2706.

Users are asked to follow all directions and signage within the building and are asked to promptly exit the building when they are done with their activities.

CONTINUING CLOSURES

The U of L noted that the Max Bell Pool and locker rooms remain closed. The pool is undergoing normal annual maintenance.

These facilities are expected to reopen in early August, depending on guidelines set out by Alberta Health.

All memberships remain on hold until September 1, when a further expanded and consistent schedule may be possible. Memberships will be reactivated at that time.