Throughout the summer, Washington University had hopes to reopen the Gary M. Sumers Recreation Center for the school year. They had a full plan featuring mask requirements, appointment slots and spaced-out outdoor classes. But as cases failed to lower in the St. Louis area, they had to abandon their plan.

Students, alumni and faculty gathered near the Athletic Complex Friday to celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony of the new Gary and Rachel Sumers Recreation Center, set to open in the fall of 2016.