Dear Members of the Georgetown University Community,
Over the summer, we began a project to replace the Yates basketball courts flooring. Unfortunately, due to unexpected water damage this project will be extended through the entire fall semester. The rest of Yates facilities remain open and operational for all other activities and events.
Alternative Options
We recognize that this closure has impacts on our community members, and have provided alternative options below:
- Extended intramural sports programming by lengthening the fall season and adding new activities such as pickleball, racquetball, and sand volleyball.
- Expanded group recreational offerings to include global dance, pool movie nights, and glow Zumba.
- Continued support for club sports, including alternative practice times and spaces where possible.
- Repurposed spaces within Yates Field House to accommodate pickleball, badminton, half-court basketball, and outdoor basketball. For more information on court availability and locations, please visit Campus Recreation’s Open Recreation page.
These options may adjust as the semester goes on, so please monitor the Campus Recreation website for updates related to alternative options.
Non-Hazardous Abatement
During the renovation and removal of the Yates basketball court floor, mercury was detected underneath the flooring. The levels of mercury were not found to be hazardous to our community.
We will begin an abatement process within the next week. This work will take place within a secure and contained tented area, and the rest of Yates will remain open. The contractor completing this work will perform abatement work in accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency’s standards.
Given the planned disturbance of the flooring, we will be taking the following measures during the abatement process out of an abundance of caution:
- The flooring currently in place has been assessed and is considered non-hazardous. The abatement process will be conducted with extra precautions to ensure safety.
- Certified professionals will use specialized equipment and follow stringent safety protocols.
- The work area will be properly ventilated, and air quality will be monitored throughout the process to ensure a safe environment for all occupants.
- The area will be closed during the abatement activities to prevent any exposure. Access will be restricted.
Project Impacts & Updates
Some noise can be expected as a result of this project. Work hours are 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. ADA pathways will be maintained during the duration of this project.
We will share updates with the community throughout this project on the active construction website.
Thank you for your patience and understanding. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to construction@georgetown.edu.
Sincerely,
Planning and Facilities Management
Campus Recreation