Rec Centre

What's the use?

When we're asked that question, we usually give emotive and biased answers like: it makes good things possible; as a pleasure-dome it's much nearer than Xanadu. Lords and Ruapehu; It's paid for, it makes a change.

Then people say we're just being emotive and biased: we ought to be more objective. How can we do that? We ask and are told its simple: numbers speak louder than words. Oh, good, we think, quelling our subjective relief, we'll simply do another survey. And that's what we've done. Those of you who came to our census earlier in the term will recognise yourselves Immediately, even if your figure has been rounded since you left.

What's the usage?

We counted heads in the Recreation Centre every hour (on the half hour) for a week. The building is open 84 hours a week during term time. We still don't know how many people used the Recreation Centre in the week but everyone was tidy and co-operative, appearing neither to bring nor to leave behind more than one head. Even the two faced were single minded about the need for careful accuracy. We found what follows (followed, in brackets by what we found last year).

What's the head-count tally in a week?

6752 (5388) including heads recurring.

What sort of heads are they?

Male: 59.3% (74.8%); female 40.7% (25.2%) - judging by appearances.

How many heads an hour?

On average, 80(65).

Which is the busiest week day, and the quietest?

Monday (Monday) and Friday (Friday).

What is the busiest time of day?

Lunchtimes, accounting for 25% (24%) of all usage. But note that early evening fitness classes are attracting groups of over a hundred participants (Tuesday and Thursday).

What percentage of heads seek Cafe Restoration?

26% (34%).

What is week-end usage like?

Apparently lighter 41 (35) heads per hour. But beware: the Old Gym is restricted in use by a booking system at weekends. Check with reception.

When are the quietest times?

Early morning or early afternoon ie just after 2pm, but check the timetable for details of organised classes.

How's that for unbiased objectivity?

Questionable. Answers are always questionable.