Last Updated on February 11, 2021 by YGK News Staff
On May 22, the ARC reopened a number of its outdoor facilities, namely the Summerhill Tennis Courts, Tindall Track, Tindall Field, and Nixon Field.
This week, YGK News reached out to Jeffrey Downie, Director of Business Development and Operations at Queen’s University’s Athletics and Recreation Centre (ARC), about what the community can expect come September. Downie tells us about the unprecedented steps that his team is taking in order to keep the community safe.
Reopening Timeline
“Queen’s students will be welcome as of September 8,” Downie wrote. “Queen’s staff and faculty will be welcome as of September 14. All other ARC members will be welcome as of September 21.”
Each week in September will see expanded hours and weekend activities will resume on September 26, with select small group activities and intramurals to return gradually later this fall.
“We are optimistic that some club activity will be permissible as the fall progresses – but any additional programming will be added in a staged, and progressive manner in line with public health approvals,” Downie added.
Facility Access & Procedures
To access the ARC, members must book zone space in advance for individual use, at a limit of one zone per day and fifty minutes per booking.
Upon arrival, in compliance with the COVID-19 Contact Tracing Initiative, members will complete a check-in procedure that includes “a basic [COVID-19] attestation.”
Members must remain within their booked zone for the entire duration of their workout.
All equipment has been relocated to ensure proper social distancing and custodial staff will disinfect equipment between every booking. In addition, the ARC’s hourly capacity will be reduced to “approximately 136 users spread throughout 4 floors of activity” and monitored closely.
Over twenty zones will be accessible to members, including the Cardio Zone, Lifting Zone, and Women’s Fitness Zone, but facilities such as the pool and racquet courts remain closed until further notice.
Face coverings are mandatory throughout the building but can be removed during individual workouts.
“We have worked closely with Queen’s Physical Plant Services (PPS) who oversees the custodial staff in our building to ensure increased cleaning will be taking place in all public spaces,” Downie wrote. “We will also be asking members [ … ] to take responsibility for their safety, and to help us ensure the facility remains clean by wiping down equipment before and after every use.”
The ARC will continue delivering virtual programs such as “fitness tips, online classes, e-sports” to serve members who will not be in Kingston to access physical facilities.
“We know many of our members are anxious to return to the ARC,” Downie wrote. “We want to thank everyone for their patience. We are excited to welcome our members and our community back to a new ARC experience.”
