Campus Recreation

Welcome to the Department of Campus Recreation!

We help members of the Pitt community lead active, balanced lives by providing endless opportunities to enhance physical health and wellness. Whether you’re into competitive sports, group exercise, or solo workout sessions, we’re happy to work with you to achieve your fitness goals.

Campus Recreation Reopening Information

Campus Recreation is here to help support your fitness and wellness! With our facilities highly utilized by students as well as faculty and staff, our team’s goal is to provide as many services as possible while keeping health and safety our top priority. Campus Recreation facilities will be open and programs offered this fall depending upon the University’s operational risk posture.

The key differences you’ll see include an online reservation system for access to Campus Recreation spaces and in-person Group Fitness classes, face coverings worn by patrons and employees, changes in the layout of spaces, and visual reminders about physical distancing guidelines.

While Campus Recreation will be operating differently this fall, many things are still the same. We’re excited to welcome you back to campus. We’re here to help you meet your fitness and wellness goals. We encourage you to use our facilities and participate in programs where you’re comfortable. And we also hope you’ll seek opportunities to exercise and play outdoors enjoying the beautiful fall season and nearby parks.

We appreciate your flexibility and patience as we negotiate these unusual circumstances, and as always, ask that you connect with us if you have questions, rec@pitt.edu. Please also be aware that operating protocols, facility hours, and program offerings are subject to change as we align with the various information sources and their updates including the CDC, the Pennsylvania Department of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, and other health and fitness expert sources.

View Facility Hours

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

WHAT WILL BE DIFFERENT?
  • Campus Recreation will follow the University’s guidelines regarding the use of face coverings for each of the Operational Postures as outlined the COVID-19 Standards and Guidelines: Face Coverings, Personal Protective Equipment, and Personal Gear.
    • Face coverings will be worn by patrons and employees in Campus Recreation buildings and spaces. If you’re running on a treadmill, lifting weights, playing kickball, shooting hoops, or participating in any other activity, you’ll wear a mask. While at outdoor Campus Recreation facilities, face coverings will be worn.
  • From a physical standpoint, you’ll see plexiglass dividers at our check-in desks, and you’ll swipe your own ID cards.
  • Also, to support physical distancing, we have changed the layout of spaces, posted visual reminders, and trained staff in monitoring these changes.
  • Lastly, access to the administrative offices in the Baierl Recreation Center will be by appointment. We ask that you call 412-648-8210 or email rec@pitt.edu for assistance. Campus Recreation staff working at the Baierl Recreation Center or Trees Hall can also assist with many questions.
GENERAL
  • Do I need to wear a face covering while at Campus Recreation facilities? Face coverings will be worn by patrons and employees in Campus Recreation buildings and spaces. If you’re running on a treadmill, lifting weights, playing kickball, shooting hoops, or participating in any other activity, you’ll wear a face covering. While at outdoor Campus Recreation facilities, face coverings will be worn. For more information, refer to the COVID-19 Standards and Guidelines: Face Coverings, Personal Protective Equipment, and Personal Gear.
  • What are the physical distancing guidelines while in the Campus Recreation facilities? We are asking everyone to maintain a minimum 6-foot distance between themselves and others. To support these guidelines, we have implemented changes in the layout of spaces, posted visual reminders, and trained staff in monitoring and enforcing these rules.
  • What are you doing to keep the Campus Recreation facilities clean? We are requesting that users thoroughly clean and wipe down all equipment before and after personal use. Additional cleaning supplies and gym wipe stations are in place. Additional hand sanitizer is also located throughout spaces to encourage personal cleanliness. Throughout the day, staff will clean high touch spaces and equipment; deep cleaning will occur daily. We may disallow use of various areas where physical distancing will be challenging. Facility and program staff will help ensure appropriate distancing as well as assist with cleaning protocols.
  • What happens if the face covering or physical distancing protocols are not followed? We hope that everyone will work together taking responsibility to ensure the safest possible environment for our participants and staff. In situations where select participants consistently choose not to follow face covering or physical distancing expectations, staff may first offer warnings to participants and/or ask repeat offenders to leave the facility. Repeated violations may result in removal of facility and/or program access for a period of time. 
  • Can I use the locker rooms?
    • Due to the limited space in our locker rooms and strict occupancy limits, we encourage patrons to come dressed to work out. If you do use the locker rooms, we ask that you strictly observe physical distancing and posted occupancy numbers limiting your time in the locker rooms.
    • You are welcome to bring your own lock for day use only with locks being removed after each use.
    • Baierl Recreation Center. Rental lockers will not be available. Day use lockers in the CO-ED locker hallway behind the racquetball courts are available. The shower and restroom facilities will be open.
    • Trees Hall. The first floor locker rooms and pool locker rooms will be open. Lockers will available for day use.
    • Bellefield Hall. Bellefield Hall locker rooms will be open. Campus Recreation spaces including the pool, fitness center, basketball courts, and dance/multipurpose room will remain closed for Campus Recreation activities.
  • Will any parts of Campus Recreation be unavailable to use or have limited activities? Yes, below is a list of areas that will remain closed and/or have limited activities during our initial reopening phase.  
    • For racquetball and squash play, courts will have an occupancy of two people, and members must bring their own equipment to use in the courts. The squash courts at Fitzgerald Field House will not be available. Faculty, staff and students may use the racquetball courts at Trees Hall and students may use the courts at the Baierl Student Recreation Center.
    • The climbing wall will be open for bouldering. No top roping. Patrons must bring their own climbing shoes or athletic shoes. Climbing shoes will not be available for rent.
    • Equipment such as basketballs, racquets, weight belts, stretch bands, cornhole boards, etc. will not be available for checkout. All patrons must bring in their own equipment to use.
    • For racquetball and squash play, courts will have an occupancy of two people, and members must bring in their own equipment to use in the courts.
    • Patrons should bring their own yoga mats for personal use. Yoga mats will not be available for purchase or check out.
    • The downstairs locker rooms in Baierl Recreation Center will be limited to use of the bathroom and shower facilities with no lockers available for rental or day use. Day use lockers in the CO-ED locker hallway behind the racquetball courts will be available.
    • Bellefield Hall Campus Recreation spaces including the pool, fitness center, basketball courts, and dance/multipurpose room will remain closed for Campus Recreation activities.
  • Will water fountains be available for use? Water bottle filling stations on select water fountains will be on and functioning. The water fountains will be unavailable at this time. We encourage patrons to bring their own water and water bottles.
  • What if I need a Band-Aid, ice pack or other first aid? Please see a staff member at the front desk.
  • Can I purchase Campus Recreation products and services online? Yes, programs and services can be arranged online through our website, by calling us at 412-648-8210 or emailing rec@pitt.edu. Please note that due to the current situation not all programs and services may be available.
  • Who can I contact with more questions? For general questions or feedback, please call us at 412-648-8210 or email us at rec@pitt.edu.
  • How is facility check-in handled? We have installed plexiglass shields at our desks to protect both patrons and employees. We also modified our terminal swipers so employees and patrons are not passing a card back and forth. We will also be asking patrons to observe physical distancing at the desk.
  • How can I rent a locker? We will not be renting out new lockers at this time. If you have items in your locker from the spring semester, please contact rec@pitt.edu for assistance.
  • Will virtual programming be available this fall? Yes.
    • Virtual fitness classes will be offered through Campus Recreation as well as through collaboration with Be Fit Pitt. Contact Kevin Sciullo, Wellness Coordinator, 412-383-8687, kls150@pitt.edu.
    • Esports are available. Contact Hunter England, Coordinator of Competitive and Recreational Sports, hje2@pitt.edu, 412-383-3594.
  • Will the Campus Recreation Administrative Offices in the Baierl Recreation Center be open? Access to the administrative offices in the Baierl facility will be by appointment, and we ask that you call 412-648-8210 or email rec@pitt.edu for assistance. Our business hours are 9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday. Campus Recreation staff working at the Baierl Recreation Center or Trees Hall can also assist.
  • Is Campus Recreation currently hiring student employees? We have filled our student employee positions for the Fall 2020 semester, and may be hiring additional staff later this fall. For more information about working for Camus Recreation, visit our student employment page.
FITNESS CENTERS
  • How many patrons are allowed in the Campus Recreation facilities at the one time? The number of patrons allowed in each space is based on the CDC guidelines, University Operational Protocols, square footages, and equipment layout to accommodate physical distancing criteria. To best accommodate and manage demand, we are implementing an online reservation system. We also encourage you to exercise and play outdoors as another healthy option.
  • Will face coverings be required? Campus Recreation will follow the University’s guidelines regarding the use of face coverings for each of the Operational Postures as outlined the COVID-19 Standards and Guidelines: Face Coverings, Personal Protective Equipment, and Personal Gear.
    • Face coverings will be worn by patrons and employees in Campus Recreation buildings and spaces. If you’re running on a treadmill, lifting weights, playing kickball, shooting hoops, or participating in any other activity, you’ll wear a mask. While at outdoor Campus Recreation facilities, face coverings will be worn.
  • Will there be any special rules in the fitness areas in Baierl Recreation Center, Trees Hall, and the William Pitt Union? 
    • In line with the University Operational Postures, face coverings are required while using Campus Recreation facilities as outlined the COVID-19 Standards and Guidelines: Face Coverings, Personal Protective Equipment, and Personal Gear.
    • Patrons will be asked to help us promote physical distancing by following guidance related to workout zones, alternating equipment use, and leaving equipment where it’s located. Signage and dividers will help guide patrons in physical distancing.
    • During this time, we ask that all patrons lift only weights they can successfully manage on their own without a spot.
    • We ask that all patrons wipe down any equipment both before AND after use. Your safety is our priority.
    • We encourage patrons to bring their own water bottles. Limited filling stations will be open for refills with water fountains shut down.
    • Equipment and towels will not be available for check out, and patrons should bring their own equipment such as yoga mats and weight belts.
    • Because of health and safety protocols along with anticipated high demand, patrons are asked to come in, efficiently complete their workout, and leave.
  • What fitness amenities are not available yet? Our initial reopening plan includes modifying the layout of spaces, posting visual reminders, and training staff in monitoring these changes. Workout zones have been created to help ensure social distancing and limiting occupancies.
    • Equipment such as weight belts, yoga mats, stretch bands, towels, etc. will not be available for checkout. All patrons must bring in their own equipment to use.
    • Locker rooms will be open, but due to the limited space and strict occupancy limits, we encourage patrons to come dressed to work out. If you do use the locker rooms, we ask that you strictly observe physical distancing and posted occupancy numbers limiting your time in the locker rooms.
  • What belongings, if any, am I permitted to bring to the fitness center with me? Please limit what you bring—come dressed to workout with your University ID. Large items such as gym bags, backpacks, lunch boxes, etc. must be stored in the cubbies or day use lockers. Please bring a combination lock since cubby storage will be limited. Since equipment rentals/check-out service will be unavailable, bring your personal workout equipment like jump ropes, weight belts, resistance bands, etc.
  • Who can I contact with more questions about fitness? Please call us at 412-648-8210 or email us at rec@pitt.edu, or contact Emily Roan, Coordinator of Campus Fitness, 412-383-3485, emily.roan@pitt.edu.
CLIMBING WALL
  • Is the climbing wall open? Yes, the climbing wall will be open for bouldering with hours posted on our facilities and hours page.
  • Are there new operational policies during COVID-19 operations? Yes, there are changes for the fall semester. Top roping will not be permitted. Equipment rentals will not be offered during the fall semester, including the rental of climbing shoes. Participants are permitted to use their personal climbing shoes or athletic footwear to climb. Liquid chalk will be available at the climbing wall; powdered chalk is not permitted. Reservations will be needed for a bouldering session. Click here to book a time slot.
  • Will there be new cleaning policies during COVID-19 operations? Yes, the student staff will clean the high touch areas frequently during operational hours. Staff will also clean the climbing holds every hour on a rotating basis. Additional cleaning measures are in place during closed hours.
  • Is physical distancing required in the climbing wall facility? Yes, physical distancing will be required in the climbing wall facility with staff helping guide participants in following these measures.
  • What are expectations of climbing wall participants? We ask that participants do their part to adhere to the face covering policy, maintain physical distancing measures, and practice good personal hygiene including washing your hands or using hand sanitizer before entering the facility.
  • Who can I contact with more questions about the climbing wall? Hunter England, Coordinator of Competitive and Recreational Sports, hje2@pitt.edu, 412-383-3594.
AQUATICS
  • Can the virus that causes COVID-19 spread through pools? According to the CDC website, updated 4/20/2020 – There is no evidence that the virus that causes COVID-19 can be spread to people through the water in pools, hot tubs, spas, or water play areas. Proper operation and maintenance (including disinfection with chlorine and bromine) of these facilities should inactivate the virus in the water.
  • Will face coverings be required in the pool? Campus Recreation will follow the University’s guidelines regarding the use of face coverings for each of the Operational Postures as outlined the COVID-19 Standards and Guidelines: Face Coverings, Personal Protective Equipment, and Personal Gear.
    • Face coverings will not be required on the pool deck and cannot be worn while swimming.
    • Face coverings will be required in the locker rooms and other spaces in Trees Hall.
    • Face coverings will be worn by Campus Recreation employees.
  • What hours are the Trees Hall pools open? The Trees Pools will open following the shelter in place period with the Bellefield pool closed. Reservations will be required for rec swim. Click here to book a time slot.
  • Is there family swim at Trees Pools on Saturdays and Sundays? Due to the COVID-19 situation, only students, staff, and faculty will have access to Campus Recreation facilities including the pools, To swim, please book a time slot.
  • What are the numbers of swimmers per lane? The number of swimmers per lane and pool occupancy will be dependent upon the stated University Operational Protocols and occupancy limits. Initially, we expect swim lanes to be limited to one to two swimmers per lane. Swimmers should monitor their distances from other swimmers to accommodate physical distancing.
  • Can I use the Locker Rooms? Locker rooms will be open. With the limited space in our locker rooms and strict occupancy limits, we encourage patrons to come dressed to work out. If you do use the locker rooms, we ask that you strictly observe physical distancing and posted occupancy numbers limiting your time in the locker rooms. Lockers will be available for day use. Please bring your own lock and remove it after each use.
  • What if I need a Band-Aid, ice pack, or other first aid? Please see a lifeguard.
  • Are you hiring lifeguards? Yes, we are hiring lifeguards to join our fun, hardworking, and inclusive team. For more information about the positions, visit our student employment page.
  • Who can I contact with more questions? Alycia Miller, Aquatic Program Coordinator, 412-383-8867, anmiller@pitt.edu.
GROUP FITNESS AND WELLNESS CONSULTATIONS
  • Will there be Group Fitness classes? A variety of in-person and virtual Group Fitness classes will be offered including several in collaboration with Be Fit Pitt. Both the in-person and virtual classes are free. Reservations will be needed for in-person Group Fitness classes. Book a time slot in a Group Fitness class. For more information, contact Kevin Sciullo, Wellness Coordinator, 412-383-8687, kls150@pitt.edu.
  • How do I reserve a space in an in-person Group Fitness class? You can learn more about reserving a space at our Group Fitness page, or by contacting Kevin Sciullo, Wellness Coordinator, 412-383-8687, kls150@pitt.edu.
  • Will wellness consultations be offered? Wellness consultations will be offered virtually, and you can learn more at our Wellness Consultations page. For details, contact Kevin Sciullo, Wellness Coordinator, 412-383-8687, kls150@pitt.edu.
INTRAMURAL SPORTS
  • What intramural sports will be offered? To help minimize personal contact, fall sports offered include those that provide greater social distancing opportunities with the intramural lineup including kickball, dodgeball, pickleball, volleyball, cornhole, and Esports.
  • Will employment opportunities be available for intramural sports? Yes, we will hire for the Intramural Supervisor positions if we need additional staff.
  • Will intramurals provide first aid when needed? Yes. If there are any first aid needs during intramural play, the intramural staff will tend to those needs.
  • Who can I contact with more questions about Intramural Sports? Bill Wallace, Intramural Sports Coordinator, wwallace@pitt.edu, 412- 648-8273.
CLUB SPORTS
  • What is the process for accessing Club Sport storage spaces? Clubs should follow their typical access process adhering to all physical distancing and safety protocols. For any special requests, contact Hunter England, Coordinator of Competitive and Recreational Sports, hje2@pitt.edu, 412-383-3594.
  • What are the expectations for Club Sports and club members to be an active sport club?
    • The Club Sport must be listed as an active student organization recognized through the Student Organization Resource Center (SORC).
    • The Club Sport must have submitted re-registration materials to SORC during the re-registration period.
    • The Club Sport must be classified as a Competitive or Recreational Club in SORC.
    • The Club Sport must adhere to guidelines and responsibilities outlined in the Club Sport Handbook.
  • Are there specific guidelines Sports Clubs will need to follow? Club Sport programs are required to adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Club Sports Handbook published by the Department of Campus Recreation. Club Sport programs will also be responsible for adhering to additional guidelines released by the Department of Campus Recreation related to COVID-19 operations. When reserving Campus Recreation spaces, the Club Sport representative will need to be familiar with and agree to follow safety guidelines, facility protocols and expectations for their club to maintain access to Campus Recreation spaces. Clubs must also adhere to all additional guidelines set by their respective national governing body.
  • Who can I contact with more questions about Club Sports? Hunter England, Coordinator of Competitive and Recreational Sports, hje2@pitt.edu, 412-383-3594.

For additional information on COVID-19, visit the University’s Power of Pitt website at https://www.coronavirus.pitt.edu/.