The hours have been restored at the Hansel E. Tookes Sr. Student Recreation Center.
In the past, lack of funding has caused the recreation center to change the hours of operation, creating a block schedule. Consequently, those who wanted to use the gym had limited availability.
This summer, however, there was a petition for the recreation center’s hours to be extended, and it is now open Monday through Thursday from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Melony Jordan, a third-year pharmacy student from St. Louis who is enrolled in nine classes, said the new hours are beneficial for her hectic schedule.
“It fits my schedule, and it’s convenient for the gym to be open throughout the whole day,” she said.
Tawn Takeli, a third-year criminal justice student from Tampa, said having the recreation center open throughout the day allows students to maintain healthier lifestyles.
“With the extension of the hours from the rec center, it gives ample amount of opportunities for students to choose the best time for them to get in a good workout,” Takeli said.
Stephanie Pierre, a fourth-year psychology student from Orlando and recreation center employee, feels students will prefer the new schedule and employees will benefit from it.
“We don’t have to hear the students complain about the short hours anymore,” Pierre said. “It adds more hours to our payroll and it’s easier to have the facility run continuously for the whole day instead of a certain time frame.”
Some of the recreation center’s facilitators are also eager to have the gym run at its full potential.
“We’re excited for all of the people to have the services afforded to them,” said Robert Carroll, director of campus recreation. “Due to the decline in student enrollment, funding was not readily available for the operation to run all day. Despite the past, we’re sure the facility will be a success.”