NEW ULM — The Recreation Center will partially reopen for fitness uses Wednesday.

Park and Recreation has been closed since March 16 due to COVID-19 restrictions, but Gov. Tim Walz last Friday lifted some restrictions on the fitness center.

The new Recreation Center hours are 5 a.m. through 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday. It will be closed Sunday.

The fieldhouse and track will be open, but no basketball, racquetball or use of the indoor pool or locker rooms will be allowed.

All fitness equipment has been relocated to the Vogel Fieldhouse and spread out to maintain physical distance.

At this time, only individuals with memberships will be allowed to enter the facility and individuals must be at least 15 to enter.

Under these new restrictions, fitness facilities are allowed to operate at 25% capacity with no more than 250 people. The Recreation Center fieldhouse has a capacity of over 1,000.

Memberships can be purchased on the same day by check or credit card and may purchased multiple months in advance. The Rec Center will not take cash payments or grant daily admissions. This is to limit the number of users, but also to track usage of the facility.

Anyone entering the Recreation Center will be asked to perform a self-health screen that is posted on the door. Users are asked to stay home and not enter if they answer yes to any of the screening questions.

Customers must also sanitize their hands immediately upon entry into the facility, and wipe any and all equipment used before and after each use with provided sanitation wipes. Members are greatly encouraged to wear face masks in the building, except during active exercise.