UNews - Horns Recreation

Max Bell Regional Aquatic Centre set to reopen after upgrades

caroline.zentner — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 21:29:19 +0000

Ready to dive in? The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s Max Bell Regional Aquatic Centre will reopen on Tuesday, Nov. 12, after being closed for over four months for upgrades.

“We are so excited to welcome everyone back,” says Mark Sera, director of Horns Recreation. “All four bulkheads were replaced, and upgrades to the movable floor have been completed.”

When work started on the headwalls, crews discovered that additional repairs were needed on the concrete.

“The major outcome of this renovation is that the facility can now host records in 50-meter long course swimming competitions, allowing us to host a wider variety of events. This facility is one of the best on-campus long course pools,” says Sera. “What I’m happy about is that you can see the change, and it looks like new.”

Sera also thanks the City of Lethbridge for helping with the closure by providing alternative facilities for Pronghorn swimmers and swim clubs.

Sera and the staff at the Max Bell Regional Aquatic Centre look forward to welcoming back the ULethbridge Pronghorn team, the Mantas Lifesaving Club, Lethbridge Amateur Swim Club, Career Transition’s Cardboard Boat Race, and all other users who visit the pool for lane and recreational swimming.

The Max Bell Regional Aquatic Centre, opened in 1985, was named in recognition of its major benefactor, the Max Bell Foundation. The facility features several springboards, as well as three-metre and five-metre dive towers. The pool has a capacity of 3.5 million litres of water.

Media are welcome to see the changes for themselves and talk with Sera at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 12. Attendees are asked to meet at the customer service desk on the lower floor of the Centre for Sport and Wellness.

Follow @hornsrec on social media to see their videos and learn more.

Proactive approach to student mental health at the heart of R.E.C. Room initiative

trevor.kenney — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 20:55:32 +0000

A student with a healthy and positive state of mind is more likely to be engaged, successful and flourishing. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s newest strategy to enhance student mental health is the introduction of the R.E.C. Room — multi-site campus hubs designed to invite students to step away from the stress of study and research to relax their minds and connect with one another.

Introduced today in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall Atrium, the R.E.C. Room (an acronym for refresh, energize, connect) is a joint initiative funded by ULethbridge and created in consultation with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students’ Union (ULSU), Student Affairs and in collaboration with Agility, Horns Recreation and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Library. Like the giant Jenga game students can now play in the R.E.C. Room, multiple blocks of support must come together to promote flourishing.

“It’s imperative we proactively address students’ mental health needs and promote wellness at every opportunity,” says Dr. Mark Slomp, executive director of Student Services. “With mental health issues so prevalent amongst students, and the benefits of proactively addressing those issues so pronounced, it is in every school’s best interest to promote mental wellness on campus. Our investment in the mental health of our students carries the obvious short-term benefit of enhancing their student experience, and also supports student retention and in the end, leads to successful students who go on to positively impact their communities and society as a whole.”

So, where are the R.E.C. Rooms, what’s in them and who can use them?

The Rec Room locations include the UHall Atrium, Science Commons (outside the Innovation Zone), Markin Hall Atrium, Galileo’s in the Students’ Union, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Library (just past the circulation desk), and the Chill Zone in Agility’s Innovation Zone.

The rooms will be equipped with a variety of activities, including quiet pursuits like puzzles, a giant chess board, virtual reality games, digital games and art hives/murals, Indigenous games, as well as some active games such as ping pong, foosball, air hockey and giant Jenga. If you feel like just relaxing, there will be bean bag chairs for reading, chatting or just zoning out. Horns Recreation will also be offering events as part of this initiative, such as the recent Yoga Rave, a dodge ball tournament and outdoor games (spring).

Open to all students, staff and faculty, the concept is to improve mental wellness throughout ULethbridge.

“Research tells us that people who have strong connections and relationships with others, engage in regular play and creative activity, build frequent exercise and physical activity into their lives, laugh, serve others and participate in spiritual activity report higher levels of life satisfaction,” says Slomp. “The spaces we are setting up across campus are designed to encourage these kinds of activities and habits and serve as a catalyst for students to consider how they are deliberately cultivating a flourishing life.”

The Students’ Union played a major role in identifying what activities would resonate with students.

“Students need more support, and the R.E.C. Rooms are a fun and innovative way for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and the Students’ Union to support students holistically rather than just purely academically,” says Gage Desteur, Students’ Union vice-president academic. “I’m looking forward to the positive impact these spaces will have on our campus and on students’ overall well-being, especially as we continue to rebuild our campus community, now that we are fully back in person.”

The R.E.C. Rooms are open for activity on Feb. 1.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ unveils new course — and it's open for play!

trevor.kenney — Wed, 27 Jul 2022 21:14:51 +0000

There’s a new course available at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge — and it’s free to the public, requires no prerequisites and is both challenging and fun. Welcome to the new ULethbridge Disc Golf Course!

The new disc golf course has been open for play since spring. PHOTO BY MICHAEL WARF

Opened quietly earlier this spring, the course has been maturing over the summer and was recently completed with the addition of signage and wayfinding for visitors. The lack of directional markers did not discourage disc golfers from making their way to the venue as word quickly spread that a new layout was available.

“It’s been busy from the first day we put the baskets in,” says Bill Halma, executive director of Horns Recreation Services. “The disc golf community was quick to respond to a new course opening up and as more people played, word spread we had a really good, challenging and unique layout available to them.”

The course is a collaborative effort between the Lethbridge Disc Golf Association (LDGA) and Horns Recreation and weaves throughout the foliage of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s upper campus. Utilizing Aperture Lake as a scenic, natural hazard, the layout has been described as picturesque, challenging, and varied and offers the public an opportunity to experience ULethbridge as they never have before.

“We see the disc golf course as another opportunity for people to engage with the university,” says Halma. “First and foremost, we’re one of the top schools in the country and beyond that, there are so many ways for the community to experience our campus. From our recreation services, the Max Bell pool, our climbing wall, Pronghorn Athletics games and summer camps to fine arts performances, public lectures and conferences, there are so many ways the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ contributes to the vibrancy of our city. Now, we have a great outdoor experience that is free and open to everyone.”

The genesis of the new course stretches back nearly a decade when Matt Mitten and Kevin King (student athletes with the fledgling ULethbridge Disc Golf Team) and coach Craig Burrows-Johnson proposed in 2013 a course be added to campus. The proposal never gained any traction and after two seasons, the disc golf team disbanded. The idea never died however, and years later Mik Woolf, who also played on that disc golf team, made another push to get a course established.

The 18-hole course utilizes Aperture Lake as one of its scenic hazards. PHOTO BY MICHAEL WARF

“When Matt and Kevin first showed me the vision of this amazing space, I was convinced that this course had to happen,” says Woolf. “Anytime I drove by I envisioned baskets and players throwing in this very special area and the impact it could have on the community, on the sport, and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. With support from Kevin and the LDGA, I made the decision to make another attempt and do whatever it took to make this dream into a reality.”

Woolf says the actual work to get the course up and running took countless hours, involved many conversations, emails and a lot of encouragement before the first basket was finally installed.

“We truly have something special, and I want to thank all the organizations, businesses, groups and individuals involved who helped make it possible,” adds Woolf.

The ULethbridge Disc Golf Course is conveniently located on the west edge of campus (adjacent to ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Drive) with the first seven holes positioned along the west berm (just behind the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge entry sign). The next 10 holes of the course meander around Aperture Lake, with the 18th hole finishing on the raised hill next to Parking Lot G (which is the best place to park to play the course). Parking is free on campus before 8 a.m. and after 5 p.m. (weekdays), and on weekends and holidays. For those playing between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (weekdays), parking is available in Lot G (pay through the Honk App or at the kiosk). ULethbridge Recreation members can sign out beginner disc golf sets (three discs/set) at no charge at the Customer Service Centre.

August summer camps to go ahead at U of L

caroline.zentner — Mon, 13 Jul 2020 17:30:47 +0000

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge summer camps offered through Destination Exploration and Horns Recreation during the month of August will proceed.

All camps will operate according to the provincial guidelines for day camps to ensure the safety of campers and staff. This includes maintaining proper physical distancing, enhanced cleaning protocols and cohorts of no more than 50 people, including staff, volunteers and campers. Masks are welcome but not presently mandatory.

Destination Exploration is offering two Science & Technology camps per week — Aug. 4 to 7, Aug. 10 to 14 and Aug. 17 to 21, with one camp for students in Grades 1 to 3 and one for students in Grades 3 to 6.

Each camp will have a maximum of 20 students and be held in Science Commons.
Each camper will be assigned their own desk, chair and equipment to use during the week.
Desks will be placed two metres apart. The same distancing requirements will be in effect during lunch breaks and outdoor activities.
Camps will end at noon on Fridays to allow staff to complete the necessary cleaning and sanitizing before the next camp starts on Monday.

For more information, visit Destination Exploration.

Horns Recreation is offering six camps throughout the month of August, including multi-activity, climbing, basketball, fencing, drama and soccer.

Each camp will have its own home room for campers to gather at the beginning of the day, at lunch and at the end of the day.
Only one camp cohort will use an activity space at any given time.
All activities will be as physically distanced as possible.
Any shared equipment will be regularly sanitized by camp instructors.

The multi-activity, climbing, basketball and fencing camps will be held at the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport & Wellness. The soccer camps will be held at the Stadium and the drama camps will be located in the David Spinks Theatre in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Centre for the Arts.

For more information, visit Horns Summer Camps.

To register for any summer camp, visit U of L Summer Camps.

U of L’s 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport & Wellness to reopen with limitations on July 13

caroline.zentner — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 20:57:13 +0000

As the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge works toward a gradual and safe reopening of its facilities, Horns Recreation is pleased to announce the 1st Choice Savings Centre will reopen on Monday, July 13 in a limited capacity.

“We look forward to welcoming our members back to our facilities,” says Bill Halma, director of Horns Recreation. “To ensure the health and safety of everyone involved, we will be operating in a much different manner.”

In the Fitness Centre, all of the weight machines have been spread out to allow for appropriate physical distancing. The spin bikes, rowers and ellipticals have been moved into PE 152 or up to the track. Benches will be spaced out in the free weight area and the stretching area will be marked to accommodate for physical distancing. In the Climbing Wall, all users will be required to wear a mask when climbing and physical distancing will be employed between ropes.

Applicable to the entire facility, each person will need to book a time slot in advance to allow for control of numbers in the Facility and allow for necessary cleaning between users. As well, users will need to come dressed for their respective activity as all locker and change rooms will remain closed.

Facilities to Reopen
Starting on Monday, July 13, the Fitness Centre, Climbing Wall, gymnasiums and indoor track will be available for limited use. For the month of July, access to the Centre for Sport & Wellness (CSW) will be through the south doors only. All users are asked to park in Lot G (no charge for parking).

Hours of Operation
Monday to Friday — 5:30 to 7 a.m.; 7:30 to 9 a.m.; 3:30 to 5 p.m.; 5:30 to 7 p.m.; 7:30 to 9 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday — 9:30 to 11 a.m.; 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; 1:30 to 3 p.m.

These hours will be in effect for the month of July. Depending on feedback and usage, the hours may be expanded for August.

Procedures
Due to the limited availability of times and amenities, Horns Recreation is introducing a special COVID-19 price of $5 per drop-in visit or $75 for a punch pass of 20 visits, which will expire on Aug. 31. This pricing also applies to access the Stadium during open times.

Each space will have a maximum number of occupants at any given time. Anyone wanting to use any of the facilities in the CSW or the Stadium will need to book a day and time slot (90 minutes) in advance and online. Visit Drop-In Recreation Bookings to view and book your time. If you require assistance to set up your online account, contact Horns Recreation at 403-329-2706.

Once they’ve completed their workout, members will need to leave the facility in a timely fashion to allow for cleaning. Time slots are spaced 30 minutes apart to allow the equipment to be sanitized.

Patrons are required to follow all directions and signage within the building and are asked to promptly exit the building at the completion of their activities.

Continuing Closures
The Max Bell Pool and locker rooms remain closed. The pool is undergoing normal annual maintenance. These facilities should be reopening in early August, depending on Alberta Health guidelines.

All memberships remain on hold until Sept. 1 when a further expanded and consistent schedule may be possible. Memberships will be reactivated at that time.

U of L updates reopening plans for Community Stadium, Centre for Sport & Wellness and summer camps

caroline.zentner — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 21:52:46 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge has finalized its latest reopening plans for shared ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ-community spaces, including the Community Stadium, the Centre for Sport & Wellness and summer camps.

Alberta entered Stage 2 of its relaunch strategy on June 12. While provincial guidelines now allow for use of sport and recreation spaces, the province’s Guidance for Post-Secondary Institutions continues to direct universities to limit in-person attendance on campus as much as possible.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge recognizes that, in addition to serving its students, staff, and faculty, its many spaces and activities also serve the larger local community. As we continue to ready and ease access to our spaces for academic and community use, we do so in accordance with all applicable public health guidelines (balancing our responsibilities across sectors) and continue to prioritize the health and safety of all uses.

Working within provincial guidelines for both facilities and types of activities, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is working to ease access to shared community facilities (Community Stadium and the Centre for Sport & Wellness) and offer summer camp programming as possible.

Community Stadium

As a primarily outdoor facility that is operated in partnership with the City of Lethbridge, the U of L’s Community Stadium will open on June 24 for drop-in use only. Visit the stadium website for more details. As of July 6, group bookings will be accepted by contacting Sandy Williston at sandy.williston@uleth.ca.

Summer Camps

Balancing post-secondary facility restrictions alongside recreation guidelines that continue to advise that, where possible, sport and physical activities be relocated to outdoor settings, Horns Recreation will offer a select number of summer camps outdoors at the Community Stadium. These include the soccer and multi-activity camps.

In-person Destination Exploration summer camps will be cancelled for the month of July. Live activities will be available on Tuesdays on the Destination Exploration website. Destination Exploration is also offering programming through the mini uLethbridge platform.

Registrations for all Horns Recreation and Destination Exploration August camps will remain open. We anticipate that, as provincial health guidelines continue to shift, we will be in a position to offer summer camps in August.

The Conservatory of Music has cancelled in-person summer programming, but will continue to offer mini uLethbridge virtual camps through the summer and is offering an online Piano Intensive camp.

Understandably, these decisions which minimize the number of in-person camps is frustrating for parents who are trying to plan activities for their children over the summer. However, indoor summer camps require non-recreation-based campus space, which is limited by adherence to the current post-secondary guidelines as outlined by the province. Parents who have registered their children in a camp that cannot be offered in July will be notified by email.

U of L Centre for Sport & Wellness

Following the province's announcement about entering Stage 2 of relaunch, which moved Recreation Facilities into an earlier phase than initially indicated, the team at Horns Recreation has been working hard behind the scenes to welcome members back to the U of L's fitness facilities as soon as possible. While the way the facilities operate will change slightly, the team looks forward to helping its members reach their fitness goals in its state-of-the-art facilities, through a variety of programming and training options. Specific reopening plans are being developed and updates will be posted online at Sport & Recreation and through social media accounts @hornsrec.

UNews - Horns Recreation

Max Bell Regional Aquatic Centre set to reopen after upgrades

Related Topics

Proactive approach to student mental health at the heart of R.E.C. Room initiative

Related Topics

��Ѹ�����Դ���߿�Ƭ unveils new course — and it's open for play!

Related Topics

August summer camps to go ahead at U of L

Related Topics

U of L’s 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport & Wellness to reopen with limitations on July 13

Related Topics

U of L updates reopening plans for Community Stadium, Centre for Sport & Wellness and summer camps

Related Topics

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ unveils new course — and it's open for play!