The Heights and Huffhines Recreation Centers have increased their capacities following Gov. Greg Abbott’s decision to move into Phase 3 of his plan to reopen businesses and services in the state. Abbott’s latest executive order allows gyms and recreation centers to operate at up to 50 percent capacity, while still requiring the same social distancing and health protocols that were previously in place.

The increase in occupancy will largely be seen in the number of people that are allowed in the gymnasium. Even with the increase in occupancy, the number of pieces of workout equipment available to the public will not increase due to the requirement that the machines remain 6 feet apart. Due to the limited space of the workout area, more machines cannot be added if the social distancing requirements are maintained.

Recreation center patrons will be asked to limit their time to 50 minutes and are recommended to wear full gloves and to sanitize equipment prior to use of exercise. All dumbbells will be required to be placed in a sanitizing station for staff to clean prior to re-racking. Other equipment (ex: basketballs, table tennis, pickleball or badminton paddles and balls) will not be available for checkout; however patrons may bring their own equipment. In addition to basketball, the gym will be used for single file walking, pickleball and badminton.

Additionally, the lobby, sauna, showers, lockers, classrooms and classroom hallways will remain closed. Phase 3 allows the lockers and shower areas to reopen, but these areas will not be reopened until June 17 when Parks and Recreation staff have developed health and safety protocols allowing for their safe usage. 

 Other protective measures being taken at the facilities:

  • All staff will be monitoring facility and activities during each phase to make sure public is following the CDC and state guidelines
  • Staff will monitor fitness area and clean equipment after each member’s use
  • Sanitation stations have been placed at each facility for patron use
  • Floors have been marked to indicate appropriate social distancing
  • Basketball will be allowed in the gym but will be limited to two persons per goal maintaining social distancing and using their own equipment

Facility hours of operation will be as follows: 

  • Heights Recreation Center

711 W. Arapaho Road
972-744-7850 
Monday-Wednesday, Friday 6 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Closed Thursday and Saturday

  • Huffhines Recreation Center
    200 N. Plano Rd.
    972-744-7881
    Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 6 a.m.-8 p.m.
    Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
    Closed Wednesday and Sunday



     

Call 972-744-4300 or e-mail askrichardsonparks@cor.gov for more information on Parks and Recreation programming.