NEIA Wellness & Recreation Center reopens

As Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds opened up all 99 counties in the state Thursday, May 14, the Board of Directors of the Northeast Iowa Wellness and Recreation Center has made the decision to open the facility with several restrictions. The facility reopened Monday, May 18 with specific guidelines in place.

All patrons using the facility will be expect to be socially distant from one another and will be encouraged to wear face coverings when not exercising. They will also be asked to stay home if they are ill, have a fever or other symptoms. They should also stay home if they have come in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. As part of the new procedures, all patrons will be expected to adhere to building capacity rules and practice good hygiene habits.

Locker rooms will be closed but rest rooms will be open.

Patrons are expected to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer upon entering the building. All equipment must be wiped down before and after use. Those exercising are also expected to wipe down anything that is touched. Social distancing must be practiced at all times as those exercising must leave an empty machine between themselves and the next person. At this time congregating in groups to visit or exercise will not be allowed.

Manager Melanie Bauch said, “Everyone needs to be patient. We are all learning our new normal and adapting to changes. Water bottle refill stations may be used but water fountains will be off limits. Youth under the age of 18 will not be allowed unless they are accompanied by a parent.”

By the order of Governor Kim Reynolds, the swimming pool will remain closed until further notice. Group fitness classes have also been postponed indefinitely with the fitness rooms closed to the public.

Currently, no decisions have been made concerning youth sports and summer recreation. Decisions will be forthcoming as more direction comes from the Governor’s office. 

They gym, however, will be open to shoot baskets with specific rules in place. Those at a hoop must be from the same family, otherwise only one person is allowed per basketball hoop. No group sports or games will be allowed in the gym. Those using the gym must return the balls to the receptacle to be cleaned after each use. 

Racquetball courts will be open with a limit of two persons at a time. An exception would include members from the same family unit. Likewise, only two person will be permitted at one time in the weight room.

Nine people may be permitted at one time in cardio room-one. As noted elsewhere in this notice, there must be an empty machine in-between each user. In the second cardio room, known as cardio room-two, the maximum number of persons permitted at one time will be six. Again, spacing between machines will be enforced.

Employees of the wellness center will be practicing good health habits and will wear masks when on duty. Those who have been ill, have symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19 will be expected to stay home.

Employees will wipe down the counters, computers, keypads, pens and all items after they have been used. They will be expected to wash hands often and use hand sanitizer. Some may also choose to wear gloves.

Employees will be responsible to wipe down equipment, spray the weights, and clean the restrooms. They will also wipe down touch points, door handles and mop as needed.

At this time no reservations will be taken for pool rentals, gym rentals, and community center rentals as the Center is not able to have gatherings at this time.

Anyone having questions should contact to Bauch by calling 563-864-9622. As the Center recently received a grant, members will be receiving NEHA WRC water bottles to be used at the refilling stations.

Bauch concluded by saying,” We are asking everyone to be patient as we all learn what will become our new normal. This will take time for all of us.”