Despite trimmed hours and low attendance in the summer, Ohio University’s Ping Center still offers many of the same programs it did during the fall.

With two-thirds of the student population out of town for the summer, Ping’s attendance has understandably decreased, said Leigh Formanek, a building supervisor.

“(Last) Monday we had 515 patrons (while on) Monday, May 19, we had 2,314,” Formanek said.

The crowd has not only shrunk in size, but times that people use the center have changed, in part because of the center’s reduced hours.

“(Attendance) is significantly less over summer,” said Ashley Montgomery, who works at the equipment desk. “Winter is the busiest time for us.”

Ping’s attendance charts show that peak hours for the center generally range from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. during the school year, when the cardio and weight rooms see their largest crowds. Montgomery said that peak hours in the summer are usually about 6 p.m.

Ping’s reduced services means activities offered to students, such as the annual Super Bowl party, do not take place over the summer.

“We used to do things for championship games, finals week stress relievers — that sort of thing,” Formanek said. “There’s really nothing like that that goes on over summer. The people that plan those things aren’t always around.”

Still, many of the programs Ping offered all year are extended to summertime patrons but in reduced form.

“Fitness classes only run from Monday to Thursday,” Formanek said. “And there have been special three-day yoga classes.”

Fitness classes for second session include classes in kickboxing, Yoga and Total Body Fitness. These classes are available from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and are free to students. Personal Training and Massage services are still offered at regular prices.

Ping is also offering new prices for students this year. Students enrolled for summer sessions have the same, free access to the gym, while those who are not taking classes have to pay out-of-pocket.

“Students who aren’t enrolled in classes pay $6 per visit, but we’re also offering summer gym passes this summer,” Formanek said, “They cost $50 a session or $100 for the whole summer.”

Some students enjoy the smaller crowds at Ping Center.

“I prefer it in the summer,” said senior Mary Hutyera. “(With) fewer people, it’s less congested.”