The third time’s the charm, folks!

Penn State Campus Recreation announced Thursday it will reopen the IM Building on Friday, September 25.

The facility will be open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m on Saturdays, and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays. Currently, just the IM Building will be open to students, while the White Building and Rec Hall will temporarily remain closed.

The facilities were originally set to reopen for the fall semester on Monday, September 7, but it was indefinitely delayed in August.

Thursday’s announcement comes just one day after UPUA voted to support the reopening of campus recreation facilities due to overcrowding and poor regulations of off-campus gyms and concerns over intramural and club team training.

Students will be required to wear masks at all times, practice social distancing, and follow all health and safety procedures.

“We are excited to be opening the IM Building and have been working over the last several months on a phased approach to make our opening as smooth as possible and to support the health and safety of our students,” Laura Hall, senior director of Campus Recreation, said. “Our staff has created workout spaces that support appropriate distancing for exercise, and there are several repurposed areas within the IM Building.”  

To adhere to capacity limits, students can sign up for a 75-minute time slot once a day through an online portal. Registration for each activity session will go “live” 48 hours before the session start time. Exit times will be strictly enforced, according to Campus Recreation.

Exercise equipment has been spaced 10 to 12 feet apart, and several workout areas have been created to maintain proper distancing. Students are asked to wipe off their equipment before and after use, wash their hands frequently, and bring their own towel and water bottle.

“We have regretted that circumstances prevented us from opening the IM Building earlier in the semester, and we are grateful for our students’ patience. Their physical and mental health are always important to us,” Damon Sims, vice president for Student Affairs, said. “This reopening and further expansion of such opportunities will be sustainable only if all students follow the public health guidelines established across campus and in our community. Let’s encourage one another to do the right thing.”