Olivet Nazarene University is known for its great community and ability to get people together in creative ways to fellowship with each other. When the COVID-19 virus started to shut down everything in Illinois and worldwide in March of 2020, this aspect of the ONU campus was forced to stop as everyone had to finish the semester online in their homes. In the fall semester of 2020 though, some things started to get back to normal, but things still weren’t quite the same.
Campuses around the United States were trying to find ways to keep students engaged with one another while still being able to follow strict guidelines, like those at Trevecca Nazarene University, so that they didn’t have to be sent home again.
A big addition to the campus at ONU was the Plex, an outdoor area where students could gather in a socially distanced way where they could listen to music, play basketball and just relax and enjoy the company of the other students. After the Plex was shut down due to the cold weather, ONU was once again looking for something to fill this void.
Then came Rec City. Rec City started during the spring of 2020 and is located in Chalfant Hall. This is a relaxed space where students are able play games, watch TV, do homework and even work out, all while staying socially distanced and following the campus guidelines. Rec City was derived from the Plex that ONU had last semester, but has expanded the number of things that there are able to do. All of the activities include:
- Human-sized chess
- Pac-man
- Mini-golf
- Bocce ball
- Bags
- Arcade basketball
- A workout area
- Foosball
- Bumper pool tables
- Lounge area
- Concessions
- TVs
As state guidelines continue to lessen, the more events and activities ONU will be able to put on for the students to enjoy.
Sporting events are activities students find joy in going to. Because of CDC guidelines, fans are not able to cheer on the ONU basketball, volleyball and track teams, but they are able to see the football, baseball and soccer teams. Since students weren’t able to watch their teams play indoors, Rec City offers a way to still interact with each other and have fun.
The Chalfant building has been used for much more than just what Rec City has to offer too. The building is also used by the ASC to host school events for each class, with the most recent one being a senior class event called Party Like it’s 2011. It pays homage to the things that the seniors grew up with like, silly bands, angry birds and horizontal slide phones.
There was also 2010s karaoke, Just Dance, food and slideshows of friends from back in the day. Rec City is used for many different events and activities than just a place for students to study and relax in. It is being utilized to its fullest capabilities while also staying COVID-friendly.
Take a virtual tour of Rec City and see everything it has to offer.
