Frequently Asked Questions

The following questions have been deemed the most frequently asked to date.

AQUATICS/POOLS

WHAT IS THE TEMPERATURE OF THE INDOOR POOLS?
The instructional pool is heated to 85 degrees and the lap pool is heated to 81 degrees.

WHAT IS THE TEMPERATURE OF THE OUTDOOR POOLS?
The outdoor pools are heated to around 83 degrees. Solar gain during hot weather may cause them to be hotter.

WHY DO THE NATATORIUM POOLS BECOME COOLER WHEN THERE IS A SWIM MEET?
For competitive swimmers, the ideal temperature is 78-80 degrees. It generally takes four days for the pools to drop to the desired temperature, and two days to heat back up.

WHAT DICTATES IF THE OUTDOOR POOL WILL BE OPENED?
The Outdoor Aquatic Center is open during the months of April through October. During that time, if the weather forecast calls for temperatures below 65 degrees with clouds or rain, the Outdoor Aquatic Center will be closed. The decision will be made one hour prior to the scheduled opening time.

WHY MUST I WEAR A "REGULATION" BATHING SUIT IN THE POOLS AS OPPOSED TO A T-SHIRT AND SHORTS?
There are certain dyes in non-regulation materials that may bleed. Certain fibers in non-regulation materials may not interact well with the filtration system. Some T-shirts may hinder a swimmer's ability in the water. T-shirts worn with no undergarments may be offensive to patrons.


FACILITY RULES

ARE RECENT GRADUATES ABLE TO ENTER THE FACILITY?
Recent graduates may purchase a membership for the first regular academic semester immediately following their graduation at the non-registered student rate. After one semester, graduates must purchases an Alumni Association membership. Check the Campus Recreation Service Guide for current prices.

WHY DO I NEED MY STUDENT ID TO ENTER THE FACILITY?
All students are required to show their UM student ID to maintain consistency. Campus Recreation Services allows a one-time exception during each semester to accommodate persons who do not have their ID with them. However, verifying information without a student ID requires considerable time. To accommodate all of our users in a timely fashion, student IDs need to be scanned, as this is the most time efficient manner to check students in.

WHERE CAN I PARK AND WHEN ARE THE METERS IN EFFECT?
Any person with a valid UM parking permit can park in Lot 4 by the artificial turf. Meters are available in front of Eppley Recreation Center and in Lot 2H closest to the entrance to Outdoor Recreation Center. Meters are also available in front of HHP (south-side of the building). Meters are in effect weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Meters are not in effect on weekends and holidays. The Stadium Drive parking garage provides parking for non-permit holders.

CAN I TOUR THE FACILITY?
Requests for tours can be made at the ERC Information Desk. A student supervisor can walk with you around the main corridor of the building. You will be able to see most of the activity spaces from this corridor and may also enter the natatorium spectator seating area.

WHERE IS LOST AND FOUND LOCATED?
Eppley Recreation Center's Lost and Found is located with Equipment Issue on the basement level of the building. If the lost item is valuable (i.e., keys, IDs, wallet, etc.) they are kept on Level One and a supervisor can retrieve the lost item.

Ritchie Coliseum's Lost and Found is located in the supervisor's office.

HHP's Lost and Found is brought over to Eppley Recreation Center.

Reckord Armory's Lost and Found is located in the Intramural Front Office.

Items lost at the Turf Field item will stay at the Turf Field until it is brought over to Eppley Recreation Center.


WEIGHT & FITNESS AREAS

WILL ANY ADDITIONAL CROSS-TRAINERS BE ADDED?
As equipment is replaced in a few years due to wear and tear, some types of equipment may be replaced for more popular pieces.

CAN JEANS BE WORN IN THE WEIGHT AND FITNESS AREAS?
No, because the rivets on the material may cause damage or tears in the upholstery on the equipment.

CAN BAGS BE BROUGHT INTO THE WEIGHT AND FITNESS AREAS?
No, because bags present a safety hazard and make it difficult for users and employees to move freely throughout the areas.

WHY IS A DRINKING FOUNTAIN NOT LOCATED IN THE UPPER WEIGHT ROOM?
Design limitations did not allow for a water fountain to be located in that space. All users are encouraged to bring a water bottle.