CSU Pueblo ThunderWolf Recreation Center Reopens With New Programming After Pandemic Shutdown

The Colorado State University Pueblo ThunderWolf Recreation Center has reopened after five months and is implementing new protocols for the health and safety of the campus community after it was forced to close its doors in March because of the pandemic, according to Emily McElwain, director of the recreation center. The recreation center is open to CSU Pueblo faculty, staff and students at this time and will reopen to community members in the future. 

“ThunderWolf recreation staff developed a plan that considered numerous health guidelines including the state and county, American Red Cross, and the American Heart Association,” said McElwain. “We collaborated to develop best practices for COVID era operations,” she said.

All members of the ThunderWolf Recreation Center are now required to complete a health screening prior to using the facility and an updated COVID-19 risk waiver. Recreation staff also monitor building capacity through real-time updates that are available online so that members and visitors can determine what times work best for their comfort and safety. The site can be found at https://www.csupueblo.edu/thunderwolf-recreation/facilities-and-events/live-usage-numbers.html. 

Additional safety measures instituted by CSU Pueblo ThunderWolf Recreation Center staff include providing a small bottle of disinfectant and a fresh laundered towel to members at the beginning of each visit. Staff also regularly sanitize the facility and have been rearranged exercise equipment and repurposed workout areas to ensure physical distancing.

“The ThunderWolf Recreation Center team of staff and student employees have learned many new procedures to maintain the center’s excellence and ensure the health and safety of our members,” said McElwain.

Recreation center staff have also implemented a new online fitness site called PackFit for members which can be accessed on YouTube. Because in-person group fitness activities are not currently available, PackFit offers virtual opportunities for yoga, warm up and cool down guided workouts and other exercises.

The CSU Pueblo Outdoor Pursuits program, which is part of the ThunderWolf Recreation Center has also begun offering additional services due to the pandemic. This is in support of Governor Jared Polis’ Safer at Home and in the Vast, Great Outdoors executive order for the state of Colorado. 

The Outdoor Pursuits program allows CSU Pueblo members and the broader community to rent mountain bikes, camping and backpacking gear and winter-snow equipment. Rentals are included in a CO-OP membership which can be purchased each semester. Due to the pandemic and extra safety measures, reservation are required to reserve and pick up gear. The equipment rental shop is open Monday through Friday from 12:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. and is located on the west side of the recreation center. 

According to Scott Robertshaw, associate director of student recreation and outdoor pursuits, the staff has been working hard to provide high quality recreational options in the ever changing dynamic environment. “Curbside pick-up and drop off are available for members who are not comfortable entering the facility,” said Robertshaw.

Information regarding equipment rental and CO-OP memberships can be found by visiting https://recreation.csupueblo.edu/Membership/Index#membership%20options.  Reservations can be made 24 hours in advance online or over the phone at 719-549-2091.