The Fuller Hall gym is now available for families to reserve for play and exercise, according to Larry Flaws, director of recreation and public grounds.

Flaws gave the City Council an update Monday night on the COVID-19 mitigation procedures in place and the changes to restrictions in the facility.

“We probably average 50 to 60 people per day,” he said, adding that the cardio, weight room and pool have been open to those 15 years and older.

Flaws said the gym would be open to family units, including parents or guardians and children, to shoot baskets. The space in the gym would be divided in half, with each side able to accommodate two families with a maximum of 10 per side. Each group would be required to bring in their own basketball and would have to wear face masks.

The organized teams with an adult coach would be able to use the gym for practice and would again have to provide their own basketball, volleyball or other equipment, according to Flaws.

The racquetball courts are also now open for those 18 and older to play racquetball. No walleyball, a team sport, would be allowed at this time, Flaws said.

Parents of preschool children can now use the gym for Indoor Park from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Fridays. Participants will have to bring their own toys to use and only 10 children per side of the gym will be allowed at one time.

Other areas of Fuller Hall that are open for use include the swimming pool which is open for lap swimming and free swimming (limited to 20 swimmers at a time), the game room (limited to 10 individuals at a time) and the TV area (open to 10 people at a time).

“The thing that’s not allowed right now at Fuller Halls is for kids to come and just hang out,” he said. But that could change soon.

Flaws said that once his staff has received the COVID-19 vaccine, he plans to open the facility for afterschool use by children, based on the following schedule: 3:30 to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday for students in grades 7 through 12, with a maximum of 40 allowed at any one time. On Tuesday and Thursday, students in grades 2 through 6 will be allowed to use Fuller Hall from 3:30 to 5 p.m. with a maximum of 40 students at a time. Masks be required, Flaws said.

Monday through Saturday evenings as well as all day Saturday will be open to all ages with a limit of 40 persons.

Parties and group meetings will still not be allowed at this time.