LLRC–COVID
NEW: MAY 14, 2020 UPDATE
LLRC members,
We’ve missed our LLRC community so much, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back soon! Our team has been hard at work prepping our facility and equipment, updating cleaning protocol, and making plans so we’re ready for when all of you can join us in the LLRC again!
We know there are some LLRC members who are ready to come back to the LLRC to find some sense of normalcy and routine. We know that there are some LLRC members who are still a little (or a lot) nervous about how we move forward in this “new normal”. This has been an unpredictable time for everyone, and we want to give you an idea of what you can expect when we re-open the LLRC on Monday, May 18.
As you read this message, please note that we consider this “Phase I”, and we will continue to monitor and open more areas and hours when we can.
When will you be open?
The LLRC is expected to re-open on May 18, 2020. It will be open to members in the following limited increments throughout the day in order to allow for cleaning and disinfecting between peak hours.
Monday thru Friday
5:30 AM to 8:00 AM
11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Saturdays and Sundays
CLOSED
Please note that these are three separate periods of open hours. We will be closed before, after, and in between these hours to thoroughly clean and disinfect the facility and equipment. While we are closed, our focus will be on cleaning and disinfecting – if we miss your phone call or email, we promise to return your message as soon as we return to the LLRC front desk.
Although our facility has been shut for 9 weeks, we have extended all memberships by 12 weeks.
What will be open and available?
All space and equipment will be available on a first come, first served basis. We will not be taking reservations.
The following areas of the LLRC will be open but will be limited to a maximum of 10 people:
Aerobics Room
North Court
South Court
Track
Weight Room
East Fitness
North Fitness
Lobby
Guest Passes will not be provided until further notice. Access to the LLRC will only be granted to members, including punch card users, NCC student members, monthly community members, and annual community members.
Basketball courts will not be available. Some equipment has been moved to the courts to allow for safe, distanced use.
The indoor track will be accessible, but walkers will be asked to maintain social distancing practices.
There will be no group fitness classes and no personal training sessions during Phase I. Virtual group fitness classes may continue via Zoom and Facebook during this time.
The restrooms on the south end of the building will be the only restrooms available. The locker-rooms and showers will be closed.
Water bottle filling stations will be accessible; however, drinking fountains will be closed until further notice. We encourage LLRC members to bring their own water bottle when coming to exercise.
Towel service will not be available.
What can I expect when I come to the LLRC?
LLRC members will be screened prior to being granted access to the facility. In the screening process, LLRC members must answer “no” to a series of questions before entering the LLRC. Additionally, LLRC members temperature may be taken. LLRC members must have a body temperature less than 100.4 degrees to be granted access to the facility. Signage will be posted on exterior doors to notify LLRC members that no one with a fever or symptoms of COVID-19 will be allowed access to the facility.
All LLRC members under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. No exceptions will be made.
All LLRC members will be asked to follow social distancing practices – maintaining a distance of 6 feet apart.
Alternating pieces of cardio equipment will be unavailable for use in order to support social distancing practices. Some equipment has been moved to the gym floor to allow for safe, distanced use.
Signage will be posted around the facility to promote social distancing guidelines.
Tape will be placed along the floor to indicate traffic flow and to encourage social distancing in areas where lines and groups may form.
We will only have one employee at the LLRC front desk at a time during our open hours. Plexiglas will be installed at the front desk for member and staff safety. Additional employees will be circulating throughout the facility to clean and sanitize between equipment use, but they will maintain social distancing guidelines.
Members will be encouraged to exercise individually, rather than in larger groups (6 or less arriving together at one time).
LLRC employees with direct customer contact will be highly encouraged to wear face masks and gloves.
LLRC members are welcome to wear their own facemasks if they feel comfortable doing so when visiting the LLRC, but it is not required.
Our LLRC employees will be screened upon arrival to work. They must answer “no” to a series of screening questions and maintain a body temperature of 100.4 degrees or lower to enter.
Hand sanitizer will be readily available for employees and LLRC members.
LLRC members have always been asked and will still be expected to wipe down their equipment before using and after using it. As always, we have disinfectant wipes stations spaced out throughout the facility.
There will be no “working in” on equipment and circuits are discouraged. LLRC members must finish sets and wipe off equipment.
Commonly-touched surfaces throughout the entire facility such as door handles, bathrooms, equipment, etc., will be cleaned and sanitized at least once every hour by LLRC employees.
Most of our shared, hand-held, and smaller equipment has been moved behind the LLRC front desk to be checked out for use. This will allow us to disinfect thoroughly between users.
Every 30 minutes, LLRC staff will announce social distance and cleaning protocol reminders on our PA system.
What about LLRC East and 24/7 Access?
At this time, LLRC East will not reopen until the Fall semester. Please understand that the LLRC East facility is located on Sanford Sheldon’s campus, and we are working with Sanford administration on how to safely re-open that location. We hope, as you do too, that we can return to normal operations as soon as possible. In the meantime, we hope to see you at the LLRC on the NCC campus.
What happens if someone does not follow these re-opening policies?
The LLRC reserves the right to refuse service/access to any patron.
The LLRC will operate with a zero tolerance policy through the remainder of the summer. Failure to follow the above guidelines and policies will result in being asked to leave, no future admittance for the remainder of the summer, and no refund.
We understand that change is difficult. This list is long, and many of these new procedures may sound challenging to you. But your safety is our number one priority. Everything we are doing is with you in mind. Again, we consider this “Phase I”, and we will continue to monitor and open more areas and hours when we can.
We have been and will continue to work with local health professionals, our cleaning supply company, NCC’s leadership, public health personnel, and college recreation colleagues to ensure best practices are maintained. And we will also be listening to members’ concerns and making adjustments as needed. Please let us know what we can do to make you feel more confident and safe.
As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to me via phone call, email, or soon in-person if you have any questions or concerns.
Be well,
Greta
April 30, 2020 UPDATE
LLRC patrons,
In light of Governor Reynolds’ announcement on Monday regarding gyms and fitness centers re-opening, we realize that you likely have questions regarding the re-opening of the LLRC.
Thank you for your interest and for your desire to commence your exercise routine with us! We also thank you for your patience.
Currently, NCC is evaluating the timing for the re-opening of the LLRC based upon availability of cleaning supplies, best practices for social distancing, staffing levels, etc. The soonest we could re-open would be May 18, and as we determine more, we will continue to keep you informed.
Please stay healthy, and, again, we thank you for your patience. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
Be well,
Greta Giese, Ed.D.
Director—Northwest Iowa Lifelong Learning & Recreation Center
April 7, 2020 UPDATE
Dear LLRC patrons,
Our first priority is your health, wellness, and safety. Originally we had hoped to reopen the LLRC on April 13. As promised, we are continually reassessing this evolving situation, and we no longer believe that date is realistic. NCC plans to reopen campus on May 18 and begin the summer semester and face-to-face instruction on May 20. Therefore, the LLRC will be closed through Monday, May 18.
I understand that you probably have questions about your membership, personal training sessions, group fitness classes, and other programming. We will be assessing everything and making adjustments to memberships and other purchased programming as we get nearer to reopening the LLRC. Your continued membership is important to us, and we are grateful for your support.
If you are on Facebook, we hope you will follow along with our efforts to stay connected to all of you during this difficult time! Many LLRC instructors and trainers are working on sharing workout videos and inspiration to keep your wellness efforts moving forward despite the uncharted territory we’re all navigating. If you are not a Facebook user, we’re working on putting them up on YouTube as well. We hope to implement some other fun ideas soon, so stay tuned to our social media for more information!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NWICC.LLRC/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NCCRecCenter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nwicc.llrc/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz-dy_-xCFMvwV6du4_rQ2A
We miss all of you and can’t wait to see you back at the LLRC and LLRC East soon! Thank you for your patience during this fluid and challenging situation!
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at the information listed below.
Be well,
Greta Giese, Ed.D.
Director of Lifelong Learning and Recreation Center
March 23, 2020 Update
Dear LLRC patrons,
Our first priority is your health, wellness, and safety. Originally we had hoped to reopen the LLRC on April 1. As promised, we are continually reassessing this evolving situation, and we no longer believe that date is realistic. Therefore, the LLRC will be closed through Monday, April 13.
I understand that you probably have questions about your membership, personal training sessions, group fitness classes, and other programming. We will be assessing everything and making adjustments to memberships and other purchased programming as we get nearer to reopening the LLRC. Your continued membership is important to us, and we are grateful for your support.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me. Thank you for your patience and understanding!
Be well,
Greta Giese, Ed.D.
Director—Northwest Iowa Lifelong Learning & Recreation Center
