Rec Center FAQs

By the end of August, key-card readers on the doors will be installed and active. SLAC badges will serve as card keys to access the center when activated. SLAC and DOE employees can have their badge activated by completing a liability waiver and submitting it to a recreation center staff member during business hours. When the key-card readers are installed, the center will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Q: Who can use the recreation center?

A: Authorized, badged SLAC and DOE employees can use the recreation center at no charge after signing a liability waiver. Others with business on the SLAC site, such as visiting researchers, Stanford Guest House lodgers, and service contractors, can use the center for a fee of $5 per day.

Q: What about the families of employees?

A: Spouses and domestic partners can use the center at no charge after obtaining a Stanford ID Card at the Stanford Card Office and then signing a liability waiver at the recreation center during business hours. For the time being, they will need to be escorted by a badged SLAC or DOE employee. When the second phase of SLAC’s site security project is complete, the recreation center will become part of the site’s general access area and escorts will no longer be necessary.

Q: What about Stanford faculty, staff and students?

A: Stanford Health Improvement Program (HIP) classes will continue to be held in Building 27 at SLAC through the Fall quarter. When the second phase of SLAC’s site security project is complete, and the recreation center is part of the site’s general access area, HIP classes will be scheduled for the recreation center. At that point, people enrolled in HIP classes can come in after completing a liability waiver.

Q: How do I access the recreation center?

A: During the hours that the site is staffed, you can just come in through the front door. Don't forget that you will need your badge to get up to the center (past Gate 17). To use the recreation center, you need to complete a liability waiver and submit it to a recreation center staff member during business hours.

When the card key readers are active, to come in on non-staffed hours, a card key will be required. Employees can have their SLAC badge authorized to serve as a card key by completing a liability waiver and submitting it to a recreation center staff member during business hours. Others with business on the SLAC site can purchase a card key during business hours. Visa and MasterCard are accepted forms of payment; cash is not.

Q: Why do visiting researchers and service contractors have to pay a fee to use the recreation center?

A: Funding for the operation of the facility is provided through employee benefits and allowable DOE funding, and there are limitations on how this money can be spent, so free access is limited to employees. This is similar to the practice at the Stanford University recreation facilities, where people who are not students, faculty or staff have to pay a small use fee.

Q: What are the general rules for the recreation center?

A: The Terms of Use for the Rec Center can be found on the Rec Center webpage.

Q: Is there an age restriction for using the recreation center?

A: Yes, users must be at least 18 years old.

Q: Are pets allowed on the recreation grounds?

A: No. Except for guide animals, pets are not allowed on the recreation grounds or in the center.

Q: What equipment and facilities are available in the recreation center?

A: The recreation center features:

6 basketball hoops on 1 basketball court, with the option of indoor volleyball and badminton
1 fitness room
6 treadmills
4 cross trainers
2 recumbent stationary bicycles
2 standard stationary bicycles
1 rowing machine
Free-weight area with 4 racks of dumbbells, 3 benches and a chin-up bar
Fixed-weight area with a 5-stack multi-jungle cable/pulley apparatus
10 variable-weight, muscle-specific machines: dip chin, shoulder press, leg press, leg curl, row/rear deltoid, pectoral fly/rear deltoid, pull down, leg extension, calf extension and chest press
Stretching area with stability balls and Bosu© training devices
Locker rooms and showers with daily-use lockers for rent (bring your own lock)
Lounge area and kitchenette

Q: What outdoor facilities are available on the recreation grounds?

A: The recreation grounds feature:

Baseball/softball field
Soccer field
Sand volleyball
Bocce ball court
Horseshoe pit
Barbecue pavilion
Half-mile jogging/walking path around the perimeter

Equipment for basketball, volleyball, bocce ball, horseshoes and soccer can be checked out from the front desk during business hours.

Q: How do I reserve the barbecue pavilion for an event?

A: Contact the Recreation Center General Manager at ext. 3313.

Q: Will the current gym in Building 34 and the exercise room in Building 27 close?

A: Eventually, yes. However, they will not be immediately impacted by the opening of the recreation center.

Q: Will the Stanford Health Improvement Program (HIP) classes currently held at various locations on the SLAC site move to the recreation center?

A: HIP classes scheduled through August 30, 2012, will remain in their current locations. The SLAC Occupational Health Center will work with Stanford to develop a schedule of classes that will be held in the recreation center later this year. As they’re developed, new schedules will be available on the HIP website and the SLAC OHC Wellness Classes page.

Q: What types of classes and events will occur at the recreation center?

A: Stanford University's Health Improvement Program (HIP) will be offering a variety of health and wellness programs there. Information about the classes and registration will appear on the HIP website, at the center’s front desk, in SLAC Today and at the SLAC Occupational Health Center in Building 28.

Stanford BeWell will also periodically conduct events (e.g., health and wellness screenings) at the recreation center. Information about these events will be available at the center, in SLAC Today and at the SLAC Occupational Health Center in Building 28.

Q: Is personal training available?

A: The intent is to offer personal training for a fee after the center has been up and running for a few months.

Q: Is there a time limit on cardiovascular equipment?

A: No, but if someone is waiting to use the piece of equipment you are working on, please limit your workout to 30 minutes. If you are waiting for a specific piece of equipment, let the person who is using it know.

Q: Does the recreation center have wireless internet?

A: Yes, on the SLAC visitor network.

Q: Are vending machines and water fountains available?

A: Water fountains are currently available, and vending machines will be soon.

Q: Are towels provided?

A: No.

Q: Is there a charge to use lockers?

A: Not currently. If a quarterly/annual rental system is established at SLAC, there will be fees associated with that, similar to what is in use at the other Stanford Centers.

Q: Can I leave my lock on a locker overnight?

A: Lockers are currently for daily use only. Locks left overnight may be cut off. The site is looking into possibly having a quarterly rental system at SLAC, similar to what is in use at other Stanford Centers.

Q: Is the recreation center air conditioned?

A: Not at this time. SLAC is working with Stanford to evaluate options for installing air conditioning in the future.

Q: Does the recreation center have a parking lot?

A: Yes, it has 35 parking spaces, including handicapped spaces, as well as bicycle stands. Additional parking is located at Buildings 626, 950 and 750. Drivers are encouraged to carpool, and users are encouraged to walk along the designated path or ride a bike as part of their exercise regimen.

Q: Is there public transportation to the recreation center?

A: Not at this time. Users are encouraged to walk along the designated path or ride a bike to the center as part of their exercise regimen.

Q: What should I do if there’s an emergency while I’m using the center during off hours?

A: As in all locations on the SLAC site, in the event of a life-threatening emergency, immediately call 911 for emergency assistance. Then call ext. 5555 (650-926-5555 from a cell phone) to notify SLAC Security. In the event of a non-life-threatening emergency, call ext. 5555 to notify SLAC Security. During times when the Center staff is present, also notify them that there is an emergency.

The facility is equipped with an automatic emergency defibrillator (AED) for use in the event someone experiences a cardiac emergency. Opening the AED cabinet door will automatically send a 911 alarm signal and dispatch Security.

Q: What happens if someone is injured while using the facility?

A: As noted above, if the injury requires immediate medical attention, call 911 / ext. 5555. Report the incident to the Center staff. If you need medical attention, you may go to the Occupational Health Center in Building 028. However, because use of the facility is on a voluntary basis an injury is not covered under worker's compensation, nor is it considered a "recordable" injury within the DOE record keeping system. As such, the Occupational Health Center can provide initial medical treatment but ongoing treatment and follow-up care will need to be through your primary care provider, as covered by your private medical insurance.

Q: How do I make a suggestion?

A: There are suggestion cards that can be filled out at the front desk of the center and turned in there. Questions can be directed to the Recreation Center General Manager at ext. 3313.

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