Last week, the University of Connecticut Adventure Center made the decision to waive fees on all equipment rentals — with the exception of mountain bikes and cycle share bikes — for the fall 2020 semester.
“We, as a part of UConn Recreation, are still working to help facilitate students having recreational experiences in outdoor, open-air and physically-distanced environments.”
According to Leah Rossettie, the Assistant Program Director for Outdoor Programs, “We, as a part of UConn Recreation, are still working to help facilitate students having recreational experiences in outdoor, open-air and physically-distanced environments.”
This new implementation has been a success, with “fleets of equipment” temporarily sold out and student staff working hard to get equipment processed. The UAC has been limiting rentals per person in order to facilitate social distancing, and “there are far more in-depth cleaning processes this semester and equipment turn-around times are much longer due to some of the COVID-19 considerations,” Rossettie said.
With the emphasis on staying local, there are still many places surrounding UConn for students to go to exercise. Rossettie suggested the UConn Forest, Mansfield Hollow State Park and Horsebarn Hill, which is popular among students for stargazing and picnics.
Whether it be camping, climbing, cornhole or an inflatable paddle board, the Adventure Center will be providing students easy access to exercise and enjoyment this fall semester.
The UConn Adventure Center is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is located in the northeast corner of the rec center. Check out their website for updated information on available rental equipment and related policies here.