“The SRC (including Outdoor Pool Complex) and AC [exercise classes] will be open all summer. Unfortunately, though, the new Student Activity Center located in Presidential Village will be closed beginning on May 2 for the entire summer,” said Kristen Durham, the director of The University of Alabama Recreation Services.
Students will have the ability to use the indoor facilities, tennis courts, racquetball courts, basketball courts, indoor pool, indoor track, rock climbing wall, exercise classes and the outdoor pool complex.
Over the summer, the Rec Center will offer different activities and classes that aren’t offered during the school year.
“My personal favorite I would recommend to students is the water group exercise class,” Durham said. “This class meets at the OPC twice a week. It’s a great way to be outdoors, enjoy the summer, stay cool and get a great workout.”
Stephen Smith, a senior majoring in journalism, said he enjoys having access to the Rec Center over the summer.
“The fact that it opens in the summer means more people get to access it,” he said. “People get excited about staying in shape, and summer time is a good time to start good workout habits.”
Smith said he has been a fan of the Rec facilities since he was a freshman, and will definitely miss it a lot after graduation.
“I believe it really helps our students develop physically and socially,” he said.
The UA Aquatic Center also recently reopened their outdoor pool complex to the public. The complex includes a pool with a lazy river, a water basketball goal and a water slide.
“I love the outdoor pool and slide. It’s the main place to go over the summer to either relax for the day or get over all the stress of a summer class,” Smith said.
While some students find the summer facilities useful, others like Patrick Weaver, a junior majoring in public relations and event planning, said they are disappointed.
“Last summer, I planned on going to the Rec Center while I was in Tuscaloosa, but when I was walking through, my card wouldn’t let me in,” Weaver said. “So this year I got a Planet Fitness membership for the summer because it is ridiculous.”
In order to use the Rec facilities during the summer, University of Alabama students need to be taking a class during the summer sessions.
Celeste Siggers, coordinator of membership services at the Recreation Center, said main campus students enrolled in at least one credit hour will have access to the Rec and the Aquatic Center.
“University students not enrolled during the summer have the option to join the Student Recreation Center for $28 per month or the Aquatic Center for $10 per month,” she said.
