UMass Amherst Recreation - Frequently Asked Questions

Campus Recreation > Facilities > Member Services > Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Recreation Center have to offer?	What about towels at Boyden and Totman?
How do I know if I can become a member to use recreation facilities?	What group exercise classes are available?
What does my membership include?	Do you need exercise instructors?
The membership includes everything, but I just want to use the pools.	Can I get reimbursement for my rec fee?
Do I need to bring my UCard to rec facilities?	Are the facilities handicapped accessible?
What equipment is available for checkout?	Are there assisted changing rooms in the facilities?
What about towels at the Recreation Center?	I hear Boyden gym is still open for recreation.
Are day lockers available at the Recreation Center?	What about parking?
Can I rent a permanent locker at the Recreation Center?	What are the overall facility use policies?
What about lockers at Boyden and Totman?	Are facilities open when the University closes, for example due to a snowstorm?
Where should I lock my bicycle?	Are facilities open on holidays?

Q: What does the Recreation Center have to offer?

A: The Recreation Center offers comprehensive fitness and recreation opportunities. In addition to the large array of cardio, free weights and selectorized equipment, the Rec Center has four activity rooms for group exercise classes and instructional programs, an elevated jogging track that overlooks the wood court gymnasium, wellness center, equipment checkout and towel services.

Q: How do I know if I can become a member to use recreation facilities?

A: A recreation membership is available to students, faculty, staff, associate members, alumni and guests. Please refer to eligibility and fees for more information or contact Member Services.

Q: What does my membership include?

A: Membership includes use of the Recreation Center and participation in group exercise classes, equipment checkout & towel service in the Rec Center, use of Boyden gymnasium, handball/squash courts, pool, Totman pool & Mullins tennis courts during recreation time and participation in intramural sports.

Membership includes everything, but I just want to use the pools.

A: Many patrons only use recreation facilities for a specific fitness areas and/or type of equipment or activity, such as patrons who come to only play basketball, or run on a treadmill, or use the dumbbells, or swim at Totman in the morning. There is no practical way to give partial recreation access. Typically it's one fee for everthing.

Q: Do I need to bring my UCard to rec facilities?

A: Absolutely yes. Proper ID (UCard or guest pass) is required by each patron for entrance to recreation facilities.

Q: What equipment is available for checkout?

A: Equipment is available at the equipment checkout desk in the Recreation Center (level 1 near Member Services) and includes basketballs, volleyballs, badminton racquets and badminton shuttlecocks. Patron UCard is required to borrow any equipment. It's a "bring your own" if you plan to use Boyden gym (courts) during recreation.

Q: What about towels at the Recreation Center?

A: Yes, towels are available for use at the Rec Center. Workout towels are provided in the fitness and weights areas and can be returned to the on-site laundry bins or equipment checkout desk. Bath towels are available from the equipment desk. Again, proper ID is required to borrow a bath towel.

Q: Are day lockers available at the Recreation Center?

A: Yes. day lockers are available for members. Members are encouraged to bring their own locks or borrow one from the equipment checkout desk with proper ID. There is no fee to borrow a lock. Remember that day lockers are for temporary use (no overnight storage). Personal locks left on lockers will be removed. Also available in the Recreation Center are cubbies for quick storage.

Q: Can I rent a permanent locker at the Recreation Center?

A: Yes, full and half lockers can be rented on a first-come, first-served basis while available and must be renewed or returned by the end of the membership session. Rental fees are payable at Member Services.

Q: What about lockers at Boyden and Totman?

A: For members who are pool users (because if you think about...it's nice to let your swimwear dry), lockers can be assigned for the and must be renewed or returned by the end of the membership session. Visit staff at the Boyden or Totman counter for a locker assignment. Please note: the counters are open during rec swim time only.

Q: Where can I lock my bicycle?

A: Bicycle racks are provided outside the Recreation Center. Several are located on the back side of the bus stop. As you know, bicycles are not permitted inside the Recreation Center, main mall, stairs, etc. Bicycles found at inappropriate areas will be removed and placed at a bike rack.

Q: What about towels at Boyden and Totman?

A: For pool users with an assigned locker, a towel will be provided. The towel service operates on a strict exchange. That is, when you turn your towel in for laundering, a clean towel will be immediately given to you. Without a towel to exchange, we can't give you one to use.

Q: What group exercise classes are available?

A: Many classes are offered in the Recreation Center in the activity rooms. The schedule changes daily, so the best way to know go to the class schedule link. Also check out the class descriptions link for more info.

Q: Do you need exercise instructors ?

A: We absolutely do. If you can teach group exercise classes and have the required certifications, please contact the Assistant Director for Fitness/Wellness.

Q: Can I get reimbursement for my recreation fee?

A: Benefitted staff should check with their insurance company - some health company providers will offer reimbursement for recreation member benefits. Members of the UMass Graduate Employee Organization can also get partial reimbursement - check with GEO.

Q: Are the facilities handicapped accessible?

A: The Recreation Center is handicapped accessible. Entry to the Recreation Center is at Member Services on the main level. Locker rooms are on the main level. The passenger elevator will get you to the 2nd and 3rd levels. To access the cafe/juice bar on the 2nd level, use the elevator just outside Member Services. Totman is handicapped accessible on the building's east side (map). The Totman pool and men's and women's locker rooms are on the main level. Totman pool has the disabled swim hours because Totman has a chair lift to use for patrons requiring assistance getting in and out of the pool. Boyden is handicapped accessible at the building's north side (map). The pool and men's and women's locker rooms are on the main level.
Recreation Center map | Boyden map| Totman map

Q: Are there assisted changing rooms in the facilities ?

A: The Recreation Center has an assisted changing room with shower on the main level near the men's and women's locker rooms. Totman and Boyden do not have assisted changing rooms.

Q: I hear Boyden gym is still open for recreation.

A: Yes and no. Boyden gymnasium (courts) is scheduled for varsity practice, recreation, intramurals and club sports practice. Yes, it's a hot-bed of activity. Here's the recreation schedule for Boyden gymnasium.

Q: What about parking?

A: Parking space around the Recreation Center is limited. The metered lot is located between the Recreation Center and Boyden building, but there's a fancy bus stop right in front of the Rec Center. Totman also has a metered lot for parking.

Q: What are the overall policies for using the recreation facilities?

A: Please link to our facility policies for more information. Being a good patron is important and key to maintaining the facilities.

Q: Are facilities open when the University closes, such as during snowstorms?

A: When the University closes due to an emergency, an unplanned event, or inclement weather (yes, the Northeast can get snowstorms), all recreation facilities will close. At these times, call Member Services or check out our website for the latest info.

Q: Are facilities open on holidays?

A: Do you think we would close on Patriots Day to celebrate the Boston Marathon? We love the Boston Marathon, but heck no. Seriously, the holiday schedule is posted on our website.