Otto Rec Center implements new guest pass program

The Otto Rec Center might be quite familiar to many, especially for those who are frequently in the gym.

It is the on-campus gym, pool and recreational facilities meant for MNSU students. Over the years, Otto Rec has been out overseeing the physical wellness and fitness of students.

Speaking with one of the staff member Benjamin Nelson on the latest amenities or facilities the recreation center has to offer, Nelson talked about the latest opportunity that has opened up to the public, which is the guest pass. Nelson said that this has not been done in the past; it is a feature that was recently introduced at the start of the spring semester on Jan. 8.

The $5 per day pass is open to students who have friends, boyfriend/girlfriend, or family members coming over and would like to work out together.

The pass runs for the whole day. This feature is not open entirely to the public; one has to be sponsored by or connected to a registered MNSU student in order to access this feature in a bid to keep it within the student cycle.

This has been a little difficult in the past but now passes can be purchased online at: www.mnsu.edu/campusrec.

Futhermore, Nelson said, “Guest passes are good only on the calendar date that they are purchased and all guests must be 18 years or older and show a photo ID when entering the facility. The guest passes give access to Otto Recreation Center, Highland Pool (during open swim times) and Myers Field House during open recreation times.”

Nelson also said, “Guest passes do not include access to the Myers Field House climbing wall or outdoor climbing pinnacle. All guests coming in must be 18 years old or older, and be sponsored by and accompanied at all times in the facility by a current student or current membership holder to Otto Recreation Center.”

Other new programs include free outdoor yoga in the snow and snowshoeing, coming up on Jan. 31 taught by Carly Hooper.

The event will cover two sessions, the first starting from 4-5 p.m. and the second session starting from 5-6 p.m. There will only be 11 spots for each session. You can reserve your spot by emailing joseph.wolf@mnsu.edu.

The Otto Rec Center has multiple other events coming up this semester. You can visit their website for more information: www.mnsu.edu/campusrec.