YMCA of greater Waukesha County to re-open locations Wednesday May 20 and Friday May 22

Waukesha, WI, May 15, 2020 – The YMCA of Greater Waukesha County plans to re-open its four Waukesha County locations in Mukwonago, Waukesha, Menomonee Falls, and New Berlin, as well as its Y Children’s Academy day care  next Wednesday, May 20, and it’s two Milwaukee County locations in Wauwatosa and Greenfield next Friday, May 22, per county regulations. “Our number one priority is the health and safety of our staff and members, and all those who walk through our doors. We have carefully and thoughtfully designed a phased re-opening plan that follows CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines and is compliant with local government regulations,” said Chris Becker, CEO, YMCA GWC.  “We have spent countless hours diligently examining all aspects of our programs and operations. We’ve held numerous discussions with federal, state and local government officials. We’ve learned from and applied the best practices of Y’s that have already opened across the country, and we’ve sought extensive input from our staff and members.” For the first 30 days, use of YMCA GWC branches will be limited to Association members with no guests allowed nor YMCA Away or Nationwide members. However, the YMCA GWC will accept new members. Members will use their phones or membership cards to scan in eliminating any hand to hand interactions. YMCA GWC will monitor and track capacity through its membership technology. Capacity limits will be based on the square footage of each location and individual spaces and studios. Each space will have a staff member “host” to enforce capacity, flow, and cleaning. While the YMCA GWC recommends members wear face coverings upon entry and exit, it is not a requirement, and the YMCA GWC discourages use of face coverings during active exercise.  YMCA GWC staff will also be encouraged to use face coverings. Floor markings will encourage social distancing as well as limiting availability of large fitness equipment, such as treadmills and exercise bikes, to every other piece. Smaller more mobile pieces of equipment will be spaced six feet apart. Members will be required to spray and wipe equipment before and after each use, followed by a staff member who will disinfect that piece equipment. Additionally, staff will clean and disinfect all equipment and spaces during a 15-minute period every hour. During the YMCA GWC’s Safe-at-Home closure, staff thoroughly cleaned and disinfected all equipment and facilities. A slightly reduced schedule of about 70 land group exercise classes will resume opening day. Members can use the YMCA GWC’s mobile app class reservation system or call to secure their place. Classes will run 45 minutes to allow for an hourly 15-minute clean up period.  A limited schedule of classes will be available on Saturday mornings and no classes will be held on Sundays. For now, locker rooms, saunas, steam rooms and whirlpools will be closed. Towel service is suspendedas is equipment check out. Membership tours and equipment orientations are also suspended. Child Watch (care) is closed. Starting June 1, YMCA GWC pools will open, on a reduced schedule initially. Lap swimming will be limited to an early to mid-morning schedule with a maximum of two people per lane followed by pool closure for cleaning. Pools will open for summer camps during afternoons followed by another cleaning closure, and then swim lessons in the late afternoon and early evening.  The YMCA GWC also plans to start its summer camps program on June 1 and is finalizing those details.  All YMCA GWC locations, except New Berlin, will be open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. New Berlin hours are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. “The Y is, and has always been, about people and meeting the needs of our communities. We cannot wait to re-open, connect with and better serve our communities,” Becker said. “Our YMCA will emerge post pandemic as a strong and innovative force in our community as we continue to build healthy spirits, minds, and bodies.” Meanwhile the YMCA GWC will continue to offer virtual programming and resources. Since the March 24th start of the Safe-at-Home order, members participating in YMCA GWC Stay Safe Rewards and At-Home challenges logged nearly 20 thousand workouts or healthy behaviors.# # # About the YMCA of Greater Waukesha County:The YMCA of Greater Waukesha County includes the Mukwonago YMCA, New Berlin YMCA Wellness Center, Southwest YMCA in Greenfield, Tri County YMCA in Menomonee Falls, Waukesha YMCA and West Suburban YMCA in Wauwatosa. The nonprofit also runs Camp Double Eagle and the YMCA Children’s Academy.      

Pam Kassner, Super Pear Strategies, LLC
414-510-1838, pam@superpear.com
www.linkedin.com/in/pamkassner