When the KFL&A public health region was moved out of shutdown earlier this month, Queen’s moved quickly to reopen the Athletics and Recreation Centre (ARC) with all necessary health and safety regulations in place. Since opening its doors on Feb. 11, the ARC has already helped students, staff, faculty, and community members complete over 5,000 individual workouts and over 650 team practices.

“Exercise is one of the best ways to improve physical and mental wellness, especially during these stressful times. That’s why it was important for us to provide this important outlet as soon as public health guidelines permitted,” says Leslie Dal Cin, Executive Director, Queen’s Athletics & Recreation. “As the health and safety of students and all of our members remains our top priority, we have implemented measures that go beyond current green zone requirements.”

All activity stations in the ARC are spaced to allow at least three meters of distance between participants, and users must wear masks at all times. If users or staff members have traveled outside the KFL&A region, they must self-isolate for 14 days before entering ARC facilities.

Users must book workout times in advance to make sure the ARC never exceeds a safe occupancy level. In order to enter the ARC, users must show a completed COVID-19 self-assessment on the Queen’s SeQure app, their ARC membership card, and their reservation confirmation email.

Since reopening, 75 per cent of available slots have been booked on average each day.

“My experience of the ARC 2021 reopening has been positive. The ARC is on top of cleanliness and scheduling is a great way to keep track of how many people are in the facility and in each workout space,” says Marissa Battle (Artsci ’22).

Over the last few weeks, more ARC facilities have gradually reopened. As of March 1, Athletics & Recreation will be offering modified intramural sports and resuming individual-lane swim sessions in the pool.

Learn more and book an exercise timeslot on the ARC website.

Find out more about Queen’s health and safety protocols on the university’s COVID-19 Information website.