Facility Rules

Prairie Township Community Center Facility Rules

It is your responsibility to read the rules & signs displayed throughout the facility. Persons directed to leave the premises for NOT following the rules are NOT eligible for any refund. Depending on the severity of the offense, a patron may be suspended.
Participants do not need an Annual Pass to enter the facility, take a class, or participate in programs at the Prairie Township Community Center. Daily admission is available for patrons that do not have an annual pass. Our facility and programs are available for both residents and non-residents.
Day passes are non-refundable and non-transferable. A day pass is only valid for the day it is used. All patrons who purchase a daily pass must have a valid photo ID.
Non-pass holder adults purchasing a daily pass will be entered into our database upon visiting the Community Center for the first time.
Patrons must check in at the front desk and scan their Community Center pass or class pass or pay the daily fee to access the facility.
Patrons will be asked to prove residency to activate their Prairie Township Community Center account. Please see our pass registration form for residency verification.
Pass holders who do not have a pass will only be admitted with a valid Driver's License or photo ID.
During Prairie Township-sponsored programs, spectators can watch activities in the lobby, gymnasium, and group fitness studio without paying a daily fee.
Children under ten must be accompanied by a responsible adult/legal guardian (16 & over). Children ten and up may be in the facility unsupervised, provided a parent or legal guardian has registered them in RecTrac. Parents or legal guardians must create an account in person at the front desk with the child present and will be asked to sign a liability waiver and agree to the facility rules. Once the registration process is completed, the child will be issued an ID and may enter the facility. This process must only occur once per child. No minors will be allowed in the facility before a parent or legal guardian registers their account. Groups bringing children to the Community Center must have at least one adult/legal guardian per 5 children. Supervising adults must keep children ages four and under within arm's reach; there must be at least one adult for every two children in this age group.
Proper athletic attire is required. All clothing must meet Ohio public decency standards per Ohio Revised Code 2907.09.
Athletic shoes are required in the gymnasium, on the fitness floor, and the walking track. Crocs, sandals, slides, slippers, boots, street shoes, and dress shoes are prohibited. Group fitness class participants may be exempt based on an instructor's recommendation (e.g., yoga participants may be encouraged to remove shoes).
Bathing suits may not be worn outside the locker rooms or indoor pool.
Skateboards, in-line skates, roller shoes, bikes & the wearing of cleated shoes are prohibited in the facility. Bicycles may only be parked at the bike racks.
Music can only be broadcasted through one's earphones or headphones. Your music is for personal listening pleasure (no boom boxes).
The Prairie Township Community Center is a smoke and alcohol-free facility. Smokeless tobacco and electronic cigarettes are not permitted.
Patrons are prohibited from gambling on the results of games, exercises, or other applicable activities in the Prairie Township Community Center. Any violation of the gambling policy could result in temporary or permanent suspension from the facility. Prairie Township Recreation Staff will contact a parent or legal guardian if a minor under 18 violates the Gambling Policy.
All animals except service dogs are not permitted in the facility.
Eating & drinking are permitted in designated areas only.
To respect the privacy of our patrons, persons may NOT take pictures in the locker rooms, group fitness studio, or fitness center without written approval from the Recreation Director
No person shall sell or attempt to sell any article or service in the Community Center unless such sale is pursuant to a contract with the Prairie Township or has been approved by the Recreation Director.
Any private-type lessons/instructions/coaching must be approved in writing by the Recreation Director.
Parties, group outings, and meetings must be scheduled through the Front Desk Coordinator/Facilities Supervisor and may not occur in the lobby.
Changes in recreation schedules may occur without notice. Staff will post schedule changes with as much advance notice as possible. Current schedules are available at the front desk and on our website. Before arrival, patrons are encouraged to check the schedules (especially for drop-in activities).
There will be occasions when the Community Center or areas of the Community Center will be closed due to maintenance, repairs, and special events. Such closings will not result in a deduction from Pass costs. The Township will attempt to post such closings in advance.
Prairie Township is not responsible for lost or stolen items. It is strongly suggested that personal items be secured in a locker and locked during your visit. For security purposes, the Prairie Township reserves the right to search a patron's personal items if necessary.

Behavior

Patrons should respect the rights of others & are encouraged to display good sportsmanship. The behavior of a patron must not disrupt the experience of others. All problems should be reported immediately to the Supervisor/Manager on Duty.
Patrons shall not behave in a manner that jeopardizes the safety & health of themselves and others. The following activities are examples of behaviors that will result in disciplinary action, and police reports when applicable: spitting, fighting, stealing, property damage, disorderly conduct, intimidation, bullying, sexual harassment, criminal damage, use of vulgar/profane language, verbal abuse of staff or patrons and not following posted rules & policies.
Persons who appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be refused admittance or directed to leave.
Persons found violating Township or personal property will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Any policy and rule violations could result in temporary or permanent suspension from the facility. Severe violations could result in police reports. Prairie Township Recreation Staff will contact a parent or legal guardian if a minor under 18 violates policies or rules. Prairie Township owns complete discretion to determine if a policy or rule violation warrants a suspension, the length of the suspension, and if further action is necessary.

Health & Safety

Open wounds/bleeding must be covered to participate in any area of the facility. Clothing soiled with fluids must be changed.
First-aid supplies (ice, band-aids, gauze & gloves) are available to patrons to be self-administered.

Fitness Area

Participants are encouraged to complete an equipment orientation. If you are unfamiliar with a piece of equipment, please ask one of the fitness attendants for assistance.
Participants must use the equipment according to the written and verbal instructions provided by the manufacturer and the Prairie Township Community Center fitness attendants.
Slamming and dropping weights are not allowed. All equipment should be returned to its proper location after use. Weights should not be placed on top of benches.
Cellphone conversations on equipment are prohibited for safety reasons. Photography is strictly prohibited in the fitness area.
After using the equipment, participants must wipe off controls, seats, pads, and railings. Please do not spray equipment directly.
Cardiovascular equipment is limited to 30 minutes while others are waiting. Please use the sign-up sheet when waiting to use cardiovascular equipment.
Avoid occupying equipment when not used. Allow others to "work in" on strength training equipment.
Report all injuries and any malfunctioning or damaged equipment to Prairie Township Community Center staff. Do not use any equipment that is marked "Out of Order."
Headphones must be used with personal music devices.
Children must be 16 or older to be on the fitness floor. Children aged 12-15 are permitted on the fitness floor a) with a parent/guardian present at all times or b) after passing a Youth Fitness Orientation. Youth Fitness Orientations may be completed per the Fitness Attendant's schedule. Children under 12 are not permitted on the fitness floor at any time.
Food is not allowed in the fitness area. Only water is permitted in a plastic or steel container. Glass containers are prohibited in the Prairie Township Community Center.
Proper athletic attire is required. All clothing must meet Ohio public decency standards per Ohio Revised Code 2907.09.
Athletic shoes are required in the gymnasium, on the fitness floor, and the walking track. Crocs, sandals, slides, slippers, boots, street shoes, and dress shoes are prohibited. Group fitness class participants may be exempt based on an instructor's recommendation (e.g., yoga participants may be encouraged to remove shoes).
Bags are not permitted in the gymnasium or on the fitness floor. All bags must be stored in lockers or left in vehicles.
All members over 18 can receive one free fitness assessment per year with an experienced fitness attendant.
Outside Personal Trainers are not allowed. A fee is associated with Personal Training; please see the front desk for more information.

Group Fit Studio

Proper athletic attire is required. All clothing must meet Ohio public decency standards per Ohio Revised Code 2907.09.
Athletic shoes are required in the gymnasium, on the fitness floor, and on the walking track. Crocs, sandals, slides, slippers, boots, street shoes, and dress shoes are prohibited. Group fitness class participants may be exempt based on an instructor's recommendation (e.g., yoga participants may be encouraged to remove shoes).
If a drop-in group fit pass is used, an entry pass for a group fitness class should be obtained at the front desk.
Participants must stay outside the studio until the previous class exits and the instructor arrives for class.
Participation in drop-in group fitness classes is on a first-come, first-served basis.
For safety reasons, participants who are more than ten minutes late are not allowed to enter class. If arriving late, a warm-up should be performed before joining a class.
Personal belongings must be stored in lockers or cubbies.
All group fitness accessories must be kept inside the fitness studio and returned to their proper location after usage.
Only community center staff is allowed to use the stereo in the fit studio.
Report all injuries and any malfunctioning or damaged equipment to Prairie Township Community Center staff.
Prairie Township reserves the right to adjust the class schedule, class format, and instructors when necessary.
Any classes with an average attendance of four or fewer participants may be canceled at anytime.
Participants new to indoor cycling classes are encouraged to arrive 10 minutes before class to learn proper bike setup.

Walking Track

Walkers are encouraged to use outer lanes. Joggers are encouraged to use inner lanes.
Athletic shoes are required. Boots and hard-soled shoes are prohibited.
The track is for recreational purposes only.
Stretch areas are located in various locations around the track walls.
Cellphone conversation is prohibited for safety reasons. Photography is strictly prohibited in the fitness area.
Personal belongings must be stored in lockers or cubbies.
Food is not allowed on the track. Only water is permitted in a plastic or steel container. Glass containers are prohibited in the Prairie Township Community Center.
The track is 1/14 of a mile.
Directions on the walking track change daily.

Pool Rules

All users must wear appropriate swimwear (Lycra, spandex, or nylon) when entering the pool area. No street clothes can be worn in the water. Cut-offs, gym shorts, T-Shirts, bras, underwear, and thongs are prohibited in the pool.
All users must shower before entering the pool area.
Patrons shall not behave in a manner that jeopardizes the safety and health of themselves and others. Running, spitting, rough play, pushing, jumping haphazardly, towel snapping, purposeful hyperventilation, breath holding, and abusive or profane language are prohibited.
Users with open wounds and infectious diseases are not allowed in the pool.
Adults must be in the water within arm's reach of children using flotation devices. Flotation devices are not safe when used unsupervised. We allow noodles, water wings, Coast Guard-approved lifejackets, suits with built-in flotation, and baby seat floaters. No inner tubes, rafts, Mermaid tails, or backpack floats will be permitted.
Non-swimmers of any age are not permitted in the deep end of the pool.
To ensure the safety of our members, all youth, ages 15 and under, must take a swim test if they wish to use the rock wall, or diving board, or swim in the deep end of the swimming pool. This swim test will require jumping into the deep end of the pool, resurfacing at the top of the water, and then swimming the entire length of the pool.
Safety breaks are called 15 minutes before each hour. Adults and children two years and younger may swim with a parent or guardian within arm's reach. Youths age 3 to 17 must exit the water.
Swim diapers are required for children who are not toilet trained. "Swimmies" are available at the front desk for a nominal fee. Regular diapers are prohibited in the pool.
The following items and behaviors are prohibited in the swimming pool: smoking, alcoholic beverages, glass containers of any type, squirt guns, torpedoes, and inner tubes.
No food or drink except water is permitted in the pool area.
No outside private swim lessons or coaching is permitted unless they are Prairie Township Community Center employees.
Please do not sit, hang or play on pool ladders, lane lines, diving boards, or starting blocks.
Specific rules for the diving board and rock wall are located behind the diving board and the rock wall.
It is the lifeguard's responsibility to determine what is safe; any guidelines deemed necessary for the safety and comfort of the patron will be enforced. Aquatic and Department Staff have the authority to enforce all pool rules. Patrons who repeatedly violate the rules may be ejected.

Adult to Child Ratios:

Patrons are asked to have the required adult-to-child ratios before entering the pool area to avoid disappointment. These ratios listed below are established for the safety of all our young guests. Those not meeting the ratios are denied pool use:

Children aged ten years and over may enter the facility without an adult supervisor.
All children aged 6 to 9 must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older. The adult must be in the pool area at all times. One adult supervisor is required for every five children in this age group.
All children five years and younger must be within arm's reach of an adult 18 years and over. One adult supervisor is required for every two children in this age group.
Large groups must maintain a 1:5 adult to children ratio between the ages of 6 to 9 years old.

Climbing Wall

One climber at a time.
Climb must begin from in the water.
Climbing wall use is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Assistance of any kind will not be permitted.
The following items are prohibited in the rock wall area: flotation devices, goggles, water wings, and loose clothing.
Climbers must fall feet first into the water. No diving, flips or launching.
Patrons are allowed one climb up the wall per turn. Participants must exit the area quickly to allow for the next climber.
Follow the lifeguard's instructions.
Free swimming is allowed in the deep end only with the approval of the lifeguard and when the diving board and climbing walls are not in use.
To ensure the safety of our members, all youth, ages 15 and under, must take a swim test if they wish to use the rock wall, diving board or swim in the deep end of the swimming pool. This swim test will require jumping into the deep end of the pool, resurfacing at the top of the water, and then swimming the entire length of the pool.

Diving Board Rules

There is no diving involving a swimmer's head rotating toward the board (gainers, inwards, backward jumps, or any other dive deemed dangerous by the lifeguard).
Only one person is permitted on the diving board at a time.
Make sure the diving area is clear before jumping into the pool.
Participants must exit the area quickly to allow for the next diver.
Assistance of any kind will not be permitted. No "catching."
The following items are prohibited for use on the diving board: flotation devices, goggles, water wings, loose clothing, and glasses.
Follow the lifeguard's instructions.
Free swimming is allowed in the deep end only with the approval of the lifeguard and when the diving board and climbing walls are not in use.
To ensure the safety of our members, all youth ages 15 and under are required to take a swim test if they wish to use the rock wall, or diving board, or swim in the deep end of the swimming pool. This swim test will require jumping into the deep end of the pool, resurfacing at the top of the water, and then swimming the entire length of the pool.

Splash Pad

Do not use it when you have diarrhea.
Water is not meant for drinking.
Wash hands after using the restroom or changing diapers.
Take regular restroom breaks, and change diapers only in a restroom.
Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult (an individual 18 years of age or older)
Swimsuits and appropriate attire must be worn at all times.
Food and beverages (except water) are prohibited on the Splash Pad.
No glass containers or otherwise breakable objects are allowed.
Do not climb, hang, swing, or pull on any Splash Pad equipment.
Regular diapers are prohibited in the splash pad. Swim diapers are required for children who are not toilet trained. "Swimmies" are available at the front desk for a nominal fee.

Gymnasium Rules

Bags are not permitted in the gymnasium and fitness floor. All bags must be stored in lockers or left in vehicles.
Lack of respect or the use of foul language toward other people and equipment will not be tolerated.
Please refrain from dunking or hanging on the nets or rims, horseplay, and spitting on the floor.
Basketballs are available to sign out from a front desk attendant. Patrons must bring a photo ID to the front desk to be held for the duration of the sign-out. When done, balls must be returned to the front desk, and the ID will be returned to the patron. Prairie Township reserves the right to hold the photo ID until the basketball is returned.
Shirts are required. Proper athletic attire is required. All clothing must meet Ohio public decency standards per Ohio Revised Code 2907.09.
Athletic shoes are required in the gymnasium, on the fitness floor, and on the walking track. Crocs, sandals, slides, slippers, boots, street shoes, and dress shoes are prohibited. Group fitness class participants may be exempt based on an instructor's recommendation (e.g., yoga participants may be encouraged to remove shoes).
For safety reasons, children under the age of 10 are prohibited from using the gym without a parent/guardian present in the gym at all times.
Non-authorized team practices are prohibited.
Food, drink, and gum are not permitted. Water is allowed in a sealed container.
Place all trash in the receptacles provided.
Throwing balls against the walls, fixtures, or backboards is prohibited.
Full-court games are permitted if space is available. Patron must get permission from the front desk.
Any other guidelines deemed necessary for the safety and comfort of the patron will be enforced.