Facility Guidelines & Rules

• Report all incidents, accidents, and injuries to a Campus Recreation staff member
• Restrooms are not to be used as changing areas
• Facility hours are subject to change by Campus Recreation. This website lists general operational hours per semester
• Campus Recreation is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items. Patrons are encouraged to leave valuables at home
• Patrons are expected to follow the direction of Campus Recreation staff at all times.  Refusal to obey guidelines may result in removal from the facility. If necessary, the department reserves the right to revoke access
• Patrons should be considerate of others who are looking to participate and share the space
• Certified service animals are permitted

Food and non-water drinks are only permitted at tables located outside of activity spaces unless otherwise approved by Campus Recreation 

Only water in a non-spill, shatter-proof container is permitted in activity areas 

• Use of tobacco products is prohibited inside any building and directly outside all buildings in accordance with University Policy (AD32). Smoking includes the burning of any type of lighted pipe, cigar, cigarette, or any other smoking equipment, whether filled with tobacco or any other type of material (e.g., vapor).
• Personal belongings, backpacks, and bags must be stored and locked in a locker (available for free); Campus Recreation staff may not hold personal items of any kind for patrons 

Photography and videography are permitted only with prior written approval. This includes but is not limited to media outlets, student classroom assignments/projects, student org events, social media for personal gain, approved vendors, etc. 

Athletic footwear is required; boots, street shoes, open-toed shoes, or shoes that mark the floor are prohibited 

Outside fitness equipment is not permitted within the facility with the exception of lifting belts, straps, and gloves

• Use of Campus Recreation facilities is voluntary and considered at your own risk
• Patrons must show a valid Penn State ID or Campus Recreation Membership card. Invalid IDs will be confiscated and turned over to the Penn State ID office
• Patrons must be 18 years of age or older unless specified by event guidelines
• Guests must present a valid photo ID (Driver's License, Passport, Military ID, etc), be accompanied by a member at all times, pay a daily fee of $10.00, and must be 18 years or older
• Entry to the facility must be made through the main access station
• Side and rear exits are alarmed and to be used only in emergency situations when directed by staff and/or fire alarms are activated 

• Use of tobacco products is prohibited inside any building and directly outside all buildings in accordance with University Policy (AD32). Smoking includes the burning of any type of lighted pipe, cigar, cigarette, or any other smoking equipment, whether filled with tobacco or any other type of material (e.g. vapor)
• Spitting is prohibited
• Use of steroids and/or other illegal substances is prohibited
• Obscene, derogatory, or hostile actions (verbal or non-verbal) will not be tolerated withinCampus Recreation facilities
• Sexual behavior and/or sexual misconduct is prohibited
• Patrons may not provide training to, conduct business activities with, or solicit funds from other members, guests, or staff

Photography and videography are permitted only with prior written approval. This includes but is not limited to media outlets, classroom assignments/projects, student org events, social media for personal gain, etc. 

• Those interested in obtaining approval must fill out this form 

Approval is not guaranteed. Those approved must follow strict guidelines and cannot film patrons without their written consent. Photography and Videography is not allowed in locker rooms or restrooms for any reason. 

Photography & Videography Zone 

• Campus Recreation facilities, programming, and events are included as a photography and videography zone for Penn State and Campus Recreation's use.
• Be aware that by entering any Campus Recreation Facility, Programming, or Event, you voluntarily agree to your image and likeness being used and published, without compensation, for Penn State's advertisements and promotional materials, and you release Penn State from any liability regarding any such publication or use of your image and likeness.  

• Bouldering Wall orientation must be completed at Equipment Room or Climbing Wall Suite Desk
• Climbing wristband must be obtained from Equipment Room or Climbing Wall Suite Desk and worn while climbing
• Proper climbing shoes must be worn at all times
• Climbing shoes are available at the Equipment Room or Climbing Wall Suite Desk
• Personal climbing shoes are permitted
• Liquid Chalk is permitted and can be found free for use in the climbing areas
• Loose chalk is not permitted
• Bags must be kept in a locker or cubby at all times
• Electronic devices are not allowed while actively climbing or belaying
• Sitting or congregating near or around a potential landing zone or walkway is prohibite
• The climbing area must be clear of foreign objects (water bottles, shoes, etc.)
• Long hair must be tied back and secured
• Jewelry that presents a hazard to the user or to the facility equipment may not be worn. Campus Recreation staff reserves the right to ask anyone to remove jewelry if potential hazards exist 

Active Climbers Guidelines 

• Climbers on the wall have the right of way
• The following activities are prohibited:
• Climbing on top of the bouldering wall
• Belaying without certification
• Walking under an active climber
• Spotting for other climbers
• Lead climbing outside of Access Pass only time 

• All equipment (weights, kettlebells, bands, ropes, TRX straps, medicine balls, and bars) must remain in the Functional Training area
• Keep all weights away from railings, mirrors, and windows
• Be aware of the proximity to others
• Ensure proper spacing when using kettlebells
• Plyo jump platform hooks cannot be placed higher than the white tape labels
• The yellow taped area is designated for floor/mat work; mats must stay within the yellow taped area.
• A full body must remain under the monkey bar 

Prohibited Behaviors 

• Gymnastics moves
• Inverted movements and positioning
• Plates above 10 pounds
• Dumbbells above 27.5 pounds
• Plyo jumps with weights
• TRX Straps on rock chin holds
• Muscle-ups
• Battle ropes looped on monkey bars
• Throwing medicine balls off walls, pillars or near the railing is prohibited
• No medicine balls over 8 pounds on the rebounder (White Building only) 

• Only non-marking shoes should be worn on all wood floors 

Prohibited Behaviors 

• Hanging from the basketball rims and backboards
• Football, soccer, baseball, lacrosse, frisbee, softball, or twirling activities
• Floor taping 

• Patrons should follow posted directional signage
• Be aware of other patrons while entering and exiting the track and while passing and changing lanes
• Walkers must keep to the inside lanes; Joggers must keep to the outside lanes
• Sprinting is permitted on the straightaways
• Patrons may not walk or run more than two abreast
• Stretching, hand weights, and mat work are allowed in designated areas only (cutouts off the track) 

Prohibited Items 

• Spikes or cleats
• Weights, slam balls, and bands
• Starting blocks or hurdles
• Spectators of court activities, except in the seating balcony 

• All bags and personal items must be kept in a locker 
• All patrons must take a shower before entering the water
• Chair lifts are available with staff assistance  
• Individuals with open wounds and/or band-aids are not permitted in the pool
• Admission to the outdoor pool does not include admission to any of the indoor facilities 
• Organized groups must follow our group use policies and must be directly supervised at poolside by an adult.  All groups must schedule their visits in advance  
• Patrons and/or guests may not provide training to, conduct business activities with, or solicit funds from other patrons, guests, or staff
• Food and drink (other than water in a sealable, non-glass container) are not permitted on the pool decks 

Semi-Private/Private Lessons and Swim School 

• Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult supervisor (age 18+
• Swim diapers must be worn by children who are not toilet trained 

Prohibited Behaviors 

• Abusive or profane language or gestures. 
• Running or Horseplay 
• Hyperventilation or prolonged underwater breath holding for time and/or distance 

Prohibited Items 

• Alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, vaping devices, or other drugs
• Pets (service animals are permitted in the pool area but not in the pool itself)  
• Personal life jackets/floatation devices 
• Swim toys 

Recreational & Lay Swimming Rules 

• Follow all posted No Diving signs.
• If an individual needs to swim in a lane undisturbed due to an injury or specific medical condition, accommodations can be made to set a lane aside for their use. 

Lap Swim Etiquette 

• Lap lanes are intended for multiple swimmers and should arrange themselves by speed in the lanes.  
• Speed markers are available for your use to designate Slow, Medium, and Fast lanes. 
• For effective use, lap swimmers should swim counterclockwise near the lane markers and pass in the middle when more than 2 swimmers are in a lane. 
• Stop only at turning walls.  Move to the side to allow others to turn and continue.  Lifeguards may ask to move you to another lane to more closely match your swimming pace.   

Diving Boards, Diving Wells and Platforms 

• Diving Boards, Diving Wells & Platforms are closed to all patrons
• NCAA/PIAA meets and practices may only use with prior permission under supervision
• General swimming is not permitted in the diving area or diving well 

• All bags and personal items must be kept in a locker 
• All patrons must take a shower before entering the water
• Chair lifts are available with staff assistance  
• Individuals with open wounds and/or band-aids are not permitted in the pool
• Admission to the outdoor pool does not include admission to any of the indoor facilities 
• Organized groups must follow our group use policies and must be directly supervised at poolside by an adult.  All groups must schedule their visits in advance  
• Patrons and/or guests may not provide training to, conduct business activities with, or solicit funds from other patrons, guests, or staff
• Picnic baskets/coolers are permitted in the grass area.  All bags, baskets and coolers are subject to inspection 

Semi-Private/Private Lessons and Swim School 

• Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult supervisor (age 18+)
• Swim diapers must be worn by children who are not toilet trained 

Prohibited Behaviors 

• Abusive or profane language or gestures
• Running or Horseplay 
• Hyperventilation or prolonged underwater breath holding for time and/or distance  

Prohibited Items 

• Alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, vaping devices, or other drugs
• Pets (service animals are permitted in the pool area but not in the pool itself)
• Personal life jackets/floatation devices 
• Swim toys
• Grills, gas, or electric cooking devices  

Recreational & Lap Swimming Rules 

• Those under 4 feet tall and under 12 years of age must wear a lifejacket or pass the swim-test. 
• Persons who cannot pass the swim test will be restricted to shallow areas of the pools. 
• Follow all posted No Diving signs.  
• If an individual needs to swim in a lane undisturbed due to an injury or specific medical condition, accommodations can be made to set a lane aside for their use. 

Lap Swim Etiquette 

• Lap lanes are intended for multiple swimmers and should arrange themselves by speed in the lanes.  
• Speed markers are available for your use to designate Slow, Medium, and Fast lanes.  
• For effective use, lap swimmers should swim counterclockwise near the lane markers and pass in the middle when more than 2 swimmers are in a lane. 
• Stop only at turning walls.  Move to the side to allow others to turn and continue.  Lifeguards may ask to move you to another lane to more closely match your swimming pace.   

Diving Boards, Diving Walls, and Platforms 

• Diving Boards, Diving Wells & Platforms are closed to all patrons
• NCAA/PIAA meets and practices may only use with prior permission under supervision
• General swimming is not permitted in the diving area or diving well 

Weather & Environmental Conditions 

• During rainstorms, the outdoor pool will be closed, and the entire area cleared of patrons at the discretion of the supervisor on duty.
• If lightning or thunder is detected within a 10-mile radius, the pool and deck will be cleared. Please grab all personal items.  
• During thunderstorms, patrons must evacuate the outdoor pool and seek shelter inside a substantial building. 
• The McCoy Natatorium exterior hallway outside of the locker rooms may be used for temporary shelter.   
• The pools will reopen at the discretion of Campus Recreation staff.  
• During periods of cool weather, the outdoor pool will not open when the air temperature is below 60˚F. 

• White-soled athletic footwear is required; boots, open-toed shoes, or shoes that mark the floor are prohibited.
• Campus Recreation is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items. Patrons are encouraged to leave valuables at home.
• Personal belongings, backpacks, and bags must be stored and locked in a locker during play (available for free); Campus Recreation staff may not hold personal items of any kind for patrons. Lockers are for day use only and items should not be left overnight.
• Certified service animals are permitted and must follow university policies regarding service animals.
• Patrons may not provide training to conduct business activities with, or solicit funds from other members, guests, or staff. 

Prohibited Behaviors 

• Use of ball carts is prohibited
• Hitting balls into walls, curtains or ceiling is prohibited
• Spitting is prohibited
• Chewing gum on court is prohibited 

• Use of Campus Recreation facilities is voluntary and considered at your own risk. 
• Jewelry that presents a hazard to the user or to the facility or equipment may not be worn. Campus Recreation staff reserves the right to ask anyone to remove jewelry if potential hazards exist. 
• Patrons are encouraged to leave valuables at home. Campus Recreation is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items. 
• Obscene, derogatory, or hostile actions (verbal or non-verbal) will not be tolerated within Campus Recreation facilities. 
• Inappropriate sexual behavior and/or sexual misconduct is prohibited. 
• Patrons may not conduct business activities with, or solicit funds from other members, guests, or staff. 
• Patrons should be considerate of others who are looking to participate in recreational activities and share the space. 
• Equipment rentals must be returned at closing. 
• Report all incidents, accidents, and injuries to a Campus Recreation staff member. 
• Patrons are expected to follow the direction of Campus Recreation staff. 
• Refusal to obey rules and guidelines may result in removal of the facility. 
• If necessary, the department reserves the right to refuse service(s).  

• Stone Valley Recreation Area (SVRA) is open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset. Office hours vary by season. 
• Subject to PA Fish & Boat Commission regulations, fishing is open to the public 24-hours per day. 
• Subject to PA Game Commission regulations, areas designated as open to the public for hunting and trapping are open during the hours permitted on the “bags and seasons” charts. 
• Cabins are available for overnight rental. 
• Campus Recreation may close, restrict, or limit facilities within SVRA based on facility conditions, severe weather, or other safety hazards. 
• Entering, using, or remaining in an area that is not open to the public or has been closed is prohibited 
• The fenced area around the spillway is a restricted area and is off-limits for entry by unauthorized personnel. 
• Docks will be closed through the winter and during severe weather.  

• Observe the speed limit (25 on main roads, 15 in parking lots, along the cabins lane, and lodge lane) at all times. 
• Do not drive on any roads, lanes, or other areas posted as closed. 
• Do not operate motor vehicles off roadways or outside of designated parking areas. 
• Do not operate motor vehicles on trails, service roads, or within the picnic area. 
• No vehicle should be parked: 
• in an area not designated for parking.
• on roadways. 
• In a restricted area.
• in a location that obstructs gates, roads, trails, entrances, exits, or turnarounds. 
• in an area posted as closed. 
• at an overnight facility without a permit. 
• Vehicles with boat trailers must park in the designated spaces. 
• Patrons not vacating gated areas by designated closing times will be required to pay any lock-out fee assessed by the University unit providing the lock-out service.  

• Alcoholic beverage may not be possessed, sold, or consumed. 
• Smoking is prohibited on all University properties per policy AD32. This includes all indoor and outdoor spaces. 
• Overnight camping is prohibited. 
• Causing or creating a noise which would annoy or disturb a reasonable person is prohibited. 
• Swimming is prohibited. 
• No littering or otherwise disposing of trash outside of a designated receptacle. 
• No person shall possess, carry, or use any fireworks on University property. 
• Firearms are prohibited except in accordance to the Weapons & Hunting section.  

• Pets are only permitted at SVRA during daylight hours (sunrise to sunset). 
• Pets must be kept on a six-foot leash while visiting SVRA. 
• Patrons must practice responsible ownership by cleaning up after your pets. Place all pet waste in the appropriate receptacles. F
• or the safety and health of your animals, Campus Recreation recommends you do not allow your animals to swim in or drink the water out of Lake Perez. (for more information read about Blue-Green Algae and Dogs). 
• Pets are not permitted in any SVRA buildings, however, service dogs as recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act may enter buildings when performing their trained task(s).  

• Fires are permitted only in designated fire rings & grills. 
• Be mindful of fire danger levels. 
• Fires shall not be left unattended. 
• Hot charcoal/ash shall be left in the grill or fire ring. 
• Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are provided for your safety. Do not tamper with or disable any of these items.  

• Damaging or removal of trees or other vegetation in whole or in part, living or dead is prohibited. 
• Feeding, harassing, or removing any animal is prohibited except in compliance with Fish and Boat, or Game Commission regulations. 
• Releasing any animal into SVRA is prohibited.  

• The possession, carrying, or use of any weapon, ammunition, or explosive by any person is prohibited on all property owned by the Pennsylvania State University except as provided below. 
• Weapons authorized by the Pennsylvania Games Laws may be used and possessed for hunting during hunting season by licensed hunters on non-developed wooded and farm areas of University property, and then only when not otherwise prohibited by postings. 
• Hunting, pursuing, or intentionally disturbing wildlife outside a designated hunting season is prohibited. 
• Hunting without a valid hunting license is prohibited. 
• Hunting in safety zones is prohibited. 
• Target-shooting with any device including but not limited to firearms, archery equipment or slingshots is prohibited.  

• Lake Perez is a trout-stocked lake and a Panfish Enhancement Area  
• Multiple special fishing regulations apply to Lake Perez and its tributaries, check Fish and Boat Commission Regulations for details.