COVID-19 Update

As of June 25, 2020

Recreational Sports facilities continue to remain closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak.  When the executive order is lifted, and gyms and other recreational facilities are allowed to reopen, we anticipate needing a few weeks to complete the necessary maintenance and safety precautions to prepare our facilities to safely operate in a COVID-19 public health informed environment.  These include:

• Hiring and training temporary staff.
• Deep cleaning and sanitation of all spaces.
• Preventative maintenance and cleaning more than 500 pieces of cardio/strength equipment.
• Redesigning layouts of equipment to provide for safe social distancing of 6 feet.
• Ensuring building systems (HVAC, sanitary, etc) are running efficiently.
• Procurement of necessary cleaning and safety supplies.
• Posting new signage and sanitation materials.
• Making progress on other infrastructure needs.

We expect that there will be some public health guidelines and campus requirements for maintaining safe operations within Recreational Sports facilities that may include: wearing face coverings, limiting facility occupancy, and restricting/modifying the availability of some indoor activities, etc.  We will be sure to provide information about what these guidelines and requirements may be as soon as possible.

The exact reopening dates for each facility will not be determined until after the Governor’s order is lifted and staff are able to return to work. This will allow us to evaluate the amount of work needed and then develop timelines for how quickly this work can be completed given current lead times on procuring equipment and supplies.

Outdoor Facilities – Palmer Field is now open for drop-in activities that can be done while maintaining proper social distancing.  Other outdoor facilities remain closed as we continue to evaluate the reopening of these spaces in conjunction with State and University guidelines.

All in-person Recreational Sports programs remain suspended until fall semester, pending relaxation of State of Michigan restrictions and University guidelines. Group‑X and Intramural Sports programs will continue to operate virtually.

We are excited about the opportunity to reopen and serve all of our students and members.  We miss seeing you and the opportunity to provide for your health and well-being needs. When we come back, we want to make sure we do so in the safest way possible for all students and members.  We appreciate your continued patience and understanding during this evolving time. For updates, please check the Recreational Sports Notices,  Facebook and Twitter.

Our team of passionate professionals is focused on giving you the very best physical fitness, adventure and sports experiences possible. From building supervisors to fitness instructors, personal trainers to trip leaders, you’re surrounded by people who care and who are dedicated to helping you reach your goals­­. We’re intent on creating an environment that’s safe, welcoming and fun. We’re dedicated to providing offerings that suit a variety of abilities, interests and needs. And we’re always looking for opportunities to develop leadership and authentic engagement—whether it’s with our members, student employees, teams or staff.

Want to learn more? Here’s what members of our community have to say about our culture, our goals and what we value most—you. That’s why this is your Rec Sports.

Empowerment Self Defense

The DPSS self-defense workshop takes a holistic approach to self-protection, emphasizing awareness and assertiveness skills as well as physical and verbal strategies to counter violence. The goal is to leave you better equipped to deal with everything from harassment to potentially violent people to sexual assault. Participants will take part in verbal exercises, physical drills and discussion.

• Dates & Location:
  • Stay tuned for future dates!
• Cost: Free  to enrolled UM students and Rec Sports members with MCard
• Register here!

Wellness Woof

Wellness Woof is designed to bring licensed therapy dogs from Therapaws to UM’s campus to help students de-stress and connect with the campus community.

• Dates:
  • Stay tuned for future dates!
• Location: Intramural Sports Building, Multipurpose Room A
• Cost: Free to enrolled UM students and Rec Sports members with MCard

Wheelchair Basketball

In collaboration with Michigan Medicine, open recreation wheelchair basketball is offered at the North Campus Recreation Building for athletes of any ability.  Just show up, walk or roll over to the NCRB to learn more and play!

• Dates:
  • Stay tuned for future dates!

Location: North Campus Recreation Building basketball courts

Cost: Free to enrolled UM students and Rec Sports members with MCard