As of Tuesday, Sept. 8, the Clay County Recreation Center and gym are open to the public. The re-opening was brought on by Gov. Cooper’s announcement last week that the state was moving to Safer at Home phase 2.5.
While members are encouraged to return to the gym, Director Jerry Payne says there will be noticeable changes. “We are allowed to operate at 30 percent capacity. Right now that means a max of eight people in our workout room,” he said.
The staff has also made the necessary adjustments to comply with social distancing regulations. “We will have one machine open and the next machine will be out of service in order to help us make sure there’s sufficient space between members.”
As members enter, a running tally will be posted on a dry erase board which will let other members and staff know how many people are in the workout room.
“If someone comes to use the workout room and we are at max capacity, they will be asked to wait outside or we can take them into the gym area,” said Payne. “The capacity in there will be 35 which will allow everyone to maintain six feet of separation.”
When it comes to equipment cleanliness, Payne said members will be asked to continue with the policies the gym had in place before the shutdown.
“It’s been our policy at the gym that the person will use the cleaning items supplied to clean a machine when they are finished. We, as a staff, will be doing that throughout the day and when things are slower we will go through and spray everything and wipe down,” he said.
The center’s hours of operation have been modified to 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday.
Another change affects minors. “Kids under the age of 16 are not allowed in the gym without supervision,” said Payne. “In the past, members could come workout and their child would go to the gym, but in these times we just can’t do that.”
Masks will not be required but social distancing is encouraged. Members can call ahead before visiting the gym to check attendance status. With access to equipment limited, the center has closed membership at this time.
Payne has one extra request to members. “I know they gym is a great place to socialize and we are glad to be a place for that in the community. However, right now we need people to come in, get their workout in and move along so others can do the same.” Fortunately, there are plenty of outdoor areas where friends can catch up in a safe manner.