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General Rules, Regulations & Membership Information
Adverse Winter Weather Policy
Pool Policy

General Rules, Regulations & Membership Information

A. Membership

The Harry L. Coomes Recreation Center is a facility operated by the Town of Abingdon and is a division of Abingdon Parks and Recreation. Membership provides a reduced rate and indicates that guest fees have been paid in advance. Membership entitles the member to use the pools, gymnasium, cardiovascular center, nautilus room, running/jogging track, game room, concession area, and locker rooms.

B. Membership Categories

1. Adult Single
2. Family—One adult and children or couple and their children or a couple. Children
   must meet one of the following conditions to be in the family category:
   • Fully dependent upon the parent(s) for support, 18 years of age or younger and enrolled full time in school and residing at the parent(s) home;
   • a full time college student between the ages of 18 and 25, dependent upon the parent(s) for full support—(documentation of full student status is required).
3. Senior Citizen—Individuals or couples 62 and over.
4. Students—Full time college students with valid documentation
5. Teens—Ages 13-18
6. Youth—Ages 4 to 12
7. Corporate--10 or more employee memberships

C. Membership Fee Structure

Membership dues depend upon the membership category. A member must pay at least six months of dues when their application is accepted. The minimum membership commitment is six months (youth/teen one year only.

D. Payment of Membership Fees

Payment of membership fees is in advance. Payment in full for six months or one year upon acceptance of application for membership. Annual payment for the year ensures your membership rate for one year. Payment of an additional year in advance gives a ten percent discount and lock-in of fees at the current existing rate. Payment may be by cash, check or approved credit card.

Membership may be revoked should a check or credit card presented for payment of fees/services be refused for payment by the bank. Membership may also be frozen or revoked if a check issued to the Town of Abingdon for taxes, tags or other services is not honored by the bank.

Membership automatically terminates 30 days after the renewal date.

E. Membership Cards

Members must present membership cards at the front desk every time they use the facility. Lost cards will be replaced for a $5.00 fee. New cards may be picked up at the front desk. Use of membership cards by anyone other than the membership owner will be result in the membership being canceled with no refund or adjustments.

F. Freezes

An annual member who is in good standing may freeze their membership by giving sufficient reason; medical disability, temporary relocation, etc. A written notice and the membership cards must be turned in to the Coomes Recreation Center. Freezes must be for a minimum of one month and in one month increments. Members will receive credit for the frozen time in full months added to the expiration date.

G. Upgrading/Downgrading

Downgrading—Members may downgrade by returning the membership cards of spouse and children. New membership fees will begin with the next billing for membership fees payment.

Upgrading—Members who wish to upgrade their membership (add spouse or children) may do so by paying the difference between the individual and the appropriate family dues. Dues will be prorated to have concurrent expiration dates.

H. Standards of Conduct

Members and guests are expected to maintain a conduct consistent with the use of the facilities and the purpose of the Harry L. Coomes Recreation Center. Members are not permitted to allow non-members to use their membership cards for entry or use of the facilities. Abusive language, use of alcoholic beverages or controlled substances, undisciplined behavior and unsportsmanlike conduct are not permitted. Violators are required to leave the property and may suffer loss of membership or guest usage without a refund.

Use of chewing gum and tobacco products is not allowed in the facility or on the grounds. Pets are not allowed on the grounds at anytime.

I. Dress Requirements

Swim suits (no cutoffs) are required in the pool. Infants MUST wear rubber pants in the pools or approved swim products. Proper footwear & cover-ups are required when outside the pool or locker room areas. ABSOLUTELY NO WET CLOTHING ALLOWED IN THE GYM, GAME ROOM, LOBBY, MEETING AREAS, TRACK OR EXERCISE AREAS. Men must wear shirts unless in the pool area, outdoor volleyball, tennis or outdoor basketball areas. Clothing with obscene gestures or words is not allowed and the person will be requested to leave the facility without warning.

J. Guest Policies

Members may bring guests to the Coomes Recreation Center during all operating hours. Current guest fees as established at the time of the visit will apply. Guests are required to abide by all rules and regulations of the Coomes Recreation Center in effect at the time of the visit. Members are responsible for the actions of guests whom they accompany.

K. Children’s Policies

Youth under the age of 10, not in a supervised activity, must be accompanied by a parent. Parents are responsible for their child(ren) at all times. The Coomes Recreation Staff reserves the right to discipline any child(ren) and approach the parents if there is a problem.

Children under 16 years of age are NOT allowed in the Cardiovascular/Nautilus rooms or on the track at any time for any reason.

Children under 14 years of age MUST leave the facility and property no later than 7:00 PM unless accompanied by a parent or in a supervised activity.

School aged children attending public or private schools are NOT allowed in the facility or on the grounds during school hours. Home schooled children are allowed in the Center during school hours for instructional purposes when accompanied by their parent or teacher.

L. Gymnasium Rules

Appropriate footwear must be worn. NO shoes that might scuff or damage the floor are allowed. Dunking is not allowed. The gym may be reserved for special programs, fitness classes or leagues. Check the daily and monthly schedules

M. Pool Rules & Hot Tub Use

1. Everyone must take a complete soap shower before entering the pools.
2. No side or shallow diving, horseplay, rough housing, dunking or running allowed.
3. Guards may request anyone to take a swim test in order to swim alone or with someone. The guard’s decision will determine where and how the person may swim.
4. Lifeguards may restrict use of pool floats and other devices.
5. Lap swimming is available throughout the day as scheduled.
6. Scheduled classes and program take a priority over individual use.
7. The Hot Tub may be used only by members and is limited to 15 minutes use for health reasons.
8. Only members ages 21 and over may use the hot tub; no children are permitted.

The pool(s) may be reserved for special programs, lessons, etc. Please refer to the current schedules posted.

N. Exercise, Fitness and Aquatic Classes

The Coomes Recreation Center offers a wide range of classes for members including a full range of adult/teen/child: aerobic/fitness classes, body shaping classes, gymnastics, cheerleading, swim, Pilates, yoga, aquacise, dance and arthritis classes. These classes are offered at a nominal fee. Consult the current schedules for class times.

O. Cardiovascular Equipment and Fitness Center

A cardiovascular center with Nautilus equipment, aerobic and exercise bicycles, treadmill, recumbent cross trainer, Lifestyle rowing and step machines is available for all members 16 years of age and over.

Children under 16 years of age are not allowed in this area or on the equipment.

Dumbbells are provided in 2.5 lbs. to 50 lbs. Caution is advised in the use of these items. Replace all units back in the stand when finished. Use one set at a time in order that others may also exercise.

Members are requested to limit time on the Stairmaster, rowing machine, cross trainers and bicycles to 20 minutes per day maximum in order that others may also use the equipment. If others are waiting please reduce this time.

Members are encouraged to schedule an appointment with a staff instructor before working out on the equipment by themselves.

Appropriate clothing is required. Shirts must be worn. Swim wear, jeans and zippered pants are not allowed. No street shoes allowed.

P. Valuables

Proper caution and care should be maintained with regard to personal valuables. It is recommended that members using lockers use a lock to secure it and its contents. The Center, its staff, nor the Town of Abingdon is responsible for lost, stolen or misplaced articles.

Q. Lockers

For your convenience we supply lockers for Daily use. The Coomes Recreation Center will remove locks and personal items if left overnight in the locker rooms. Neither the Coomes Recreation Center nor the Town of Abingdon is responsible for lost or stolen articles. The Coomes Recreation Center reserves the right to inspect all lockers and their contents; and may exercise the option of checking exercise bags and carryalls when leaving or arriving on site.

R. Towels

Towels are not furnished. Members and guests must provide their own towels and other toiletry articles.

S. Programs

Announcements about programs are made in classes and posted in the lobby of the Coomes Recreation Center, and in the area newspapers. Members should check bulletin boards and posters. Information is also sent out in Coomes Center newsletters. Be sure to notify us immediately of any address change.

Programs are available to members and participants on first paid, first reserved basis. Program fees or deposits, when charged, must be paid in full when registering for a program or facility use. Non-members are allowed to participant in classes and as guests. Fees may be higher for non-members and county residents.

T. Refund and Credit Policy

Persons requesting credits for programs must do at least two working days prior to the start of the program. We do not issue credits or refunds after the start of the class or if your child decides they do not like the class. Should it be necessary to cancel a program, any fees paid will be refunded by check from the Town Managers Office, or an in-house credit will be issued redeemable within one year. Memberships are not refundable. A $10.00 processing fee is assessed each refund check issued except for cancellation of classes.

U. Accidents

The Harry L. Coomes Recreation Center and Town of Abingdon does not provide health and accident insurance to members, guests or registered participants. You participant at the Harry L. Coomes Recreation Center and all Recreational Programs at your own risk and are responsible for you and your family in the event of accident or injury.

We recommend that you and members or your family have a full medical examination prior to participating in strenuous physical activities and exercise programs.

V. Holidays and Schedule Changes

The Harry L. Coomes Recreation Center is a part of the Town of Abingdon Parks and Recreation Department and will close for certain Town observed holidays. Presently we close for New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

The Center normally closes earlier, on the following days which proceed holidays: New Year’s Eve, the Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving, and Christmas Eve. Please check for exact times on those days before making a visit.

The Harry L. Coomes Recreation Center reserves the right to alter schedules with prior publication and/or
notice.

Members and regular guest should review the snow policy that is in effect from December 1 through March 15 each year.

W. Harry L. Coomes Rental Fee

Persons or groups may rent all or part of the facility. A rental fee and maintenance fee is required. When pools are rented our lifeguards must be used and a fee paid for their services. This fee is included in the rental fee. Current rates are available from the Front Service Desk. Rentals are available only during times that will not conflict with scheduled programs and events. The pool is available for parties and other special events. All rentals are covered under the standard membership and conduct rules/regulations.

Statement of Purpose

The Harry L. Coomes Recreation Center is designed as a service facility for the entire community. It will strive to provide a wholesome atmosphere where persons of all ages can meet, enjoy the benefits of physical fitness, leisure time activities and general group/individual exercise, social and special event programs.

The Harry L. Coomes Recreation Center is open to membership and guest use by all persons, who live or visit the Town of Abingdon, without regard to race, creed, religion or national origin.

Adverse Winter Weather Policy

The following adverse weather policy is effective from December 1 through April 30.

1. In the event of adverse weather the Director of Parks and Recreation, and/or designated representative, has the final decision in closing the facility and canceling classes.
2. In the event of snow and icy weather conditions, the Coomes Recreation Center will open around 8:00 AM. This provides time for staff to clear sidewalks and entrance ways.
3. To verify hours of operation in adverse weather please check the following TV and Radio Stations:
• Radio Stations: WTFM – 98.5, WXBQ – 96.9, WABN – 92.7
• TV Stations: WCYB or WJHL
4. If weather conditions are questionable call the Center before making the trip. Call the Center at 623-5279, or 623-0846, and our telephone answering system will inform you if the facilities are closed.
5. Classes and all activities, except those scheduled at a public school, will operate on a normal schedule even when schools are closed.

Pool Policy

1. All Pool Rules and Regulations posted for the Coomes Recreation Center Swimming Pools must be followed.
2. Fun in always encouraged but SAFETY MUST BE MAINTAINED.
3. Lifeguards have the final and only say involving the facility rules and guidelines
4. All party members are to stay in the pool area during the party and are not permitted in the main building.
5. A participating adult or guardian must be in the water with children under 5 years of age, even if the children are wearing flotation devices.
6. Swimming is only allowed when a lifeguard is on duty.
7. Horseplay, running splashing, shoving or dunking is not allowed.
8. Food and Drinks are to be kept in the concession area during the party.
9. Glass containers are not allowed in pool area, concession area or anywhere else in the facility.
10. Alcohol, tobacco or other drugs are not allowed anywhere on facility property.
11. Profanity, improper behavior, carousing or other indecent acts are not permitted.
12. Non-swimmers are not allowed in the deep end.
13. No flotation devices will be permitted in the deep end of the pool.
14. Weak swimmers (suspected or known), small children or others who the guard is not sure of ability-wise must take a short swimming test before entering the deep water.
15. "Wall walking" or "Gutter walking" is not permitted.
16. No hanging on the ladder (entrance and exit only).
17. No sitting or hanging on the lanes ropes or lifelines.
18. Emergency equipment is for the lifeguards' use only.
19. Pool equipment (kick-boards, arm floats, pull buoys, etc. ) shall be obtained by the Lifeguards.
20. Lifeguards will assist patrons with handicap equipment as needed.
21. Patrons must shower before entering the pool.
22. Spitting, spouting water with mouth or blowing nose's in pool is not allowed.
23. Pets are not allowed in the pool or facility.
24. Swimmer must wear an appropriate swimming suit when getting in the pool.
25. Cut off jeans is not considered swim apparel and may not be worn in the water. No T-shirts in the diving well unless you obtain permission from the lifeguard. No swimming in underwear.
26. No children in disposable diapers unless covered with plastic cover pants.
27. No one may enter pool with any open sores or wounds, unless they are bound and wrapped.
28. Eye glasses are permitted to be worn in the pool as needed or required.