After closing its facilities on March 17 due to Governor Ducey’s stay-at-home order surrounding the spread of COVID-19, the Prescott YMCA (at 750 Whipple St.) is now open. The reopening is conducted under the guidance of state and local health authorities and will take place in phases.
“The Prescott YMCA has served the Quad Cities for more than 45 years, during which we have made it through many challenging times together, none perhaps as impactful for our community and our Y as this COVID crisis,” said Damon Olsen, Executive Director, Prescott YMCA. “We are thrilled to begin reopening our facilities, welcoming back our members and the community, and getting back to what we do best – helping everyone reach their full potential.”
In preparation for reopening facilities, Prescott YMCA followed guidelines from health experts and local officials to ensure all components of facilities, including fitness equipment and areas, locker rooms, child care, visitor areas and office spaces, are cleaned and sanitized to meet the highest standards for hygiene and safety. The Y has also modified policies and programs to facilitate safe social/physical distancing practices.
“When we closed our facilities in March, we did so to protect the health and well-being of all our staff, volunteers, members and participants. As we now reopen our facilities, we do so with that same commitment to keeping everyone who enters our doors safe,” said Olsen.
According to Olsen, the first phase of reopening includes: Cardio and Weight Rooms for YMCA Members only. Anyone wanting to join is encouraged to do so. Phase 1 operating hours will be: (M-F 6am – 7pm), (SAT 6am – 4pm) and (SUN 9am – 4pm). This will allow us and our cleaning company to ensure we get a deeper clean.
Rigorous cleaning protocols will continue based upon CDC recommendations throughout the facility and staffing levels to support these measures will be increased. We will continue to ask for our members to use cleaning materials provided to wipe down equipment before and after your workout.
Capacities will initially be reduced throughout the facility to safely limit the number of people in a space to ensure appropriate social distancing.
Group fitness, locker rooms, Childwatch, open gym and aquatics will not be open immediately, but will be phased in with social distancing guidelines and capacities shortly after opening.
“In the coming weeks as we receive guidance from the CDC and our local government, we will keep you abreast of program openings or potential modifications to programs,” said Olsen.
For more information about the James Family Prescott YMCA’s reopening phases and Covid-19 protocols, please contact Ryan Harlow, Membership Director, at 928-445-7221, ryan.harlow@prescottymca.org or visit www.prescottymca.org.