It has been one year since the United States started adapting to the restrictions brought on by the spread of COVID-19.
Since then, many facilities at Kirkwood Community College have changed policies, brought in sanitizing equipment and made masks mandatory at the campus. It is still required to wear a mask on campus and also highly recommended to practice social distancing.
The Rec Center is one of the main gathering places on the main campus. Due to close contact that sometimes comes with playing basketball, working out or engaging in other physical sports, the Rec Center has had to adapt.
Robert Woodhouse, electronics engineering technology, said, “For me, it’s annoying to wear the mask, constantly breathing your own air while you’re trying to walk is a little bit gross but it’s better than not breathing at all when you’re sick. I know the staff will walk around and make sure people are wearing their masks. It’s not too strict but not too laxed as to ruin the whole point.”
He added, “What’s good about the stations is that people are wiping down everything so no one could touch anything with sweat all over it.”
Part of the Rec Center’s policy is to sanitize the equipment after use and to follow social distancing guidelines.
“As far as equipment is concerned, it is a little bit of a mixed signal.” Matthew Pfau, general education, said. “Overall, it could be worse. I think there are a lot of good precautions and some silly ones like the equipment you have to rent out.”
He added, “Overall, I’m pretty happy. I can get a good workout and that’s my biggest concern. I’m really happy they have those water bottles now that they shut off the fountains. It really shows that they are trying to accommodate the best they can within what they feel is reasonable.”
The Rec Center is free to current students with an EagleCard. Hours include Monday – Thursday from 6 – 9 a.m., 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., 4 – 7 p.m.; Friday from 6 – 9 a.m., 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., 3 – 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Categories: Campus News, News
