EUGENE FAMILY YMCA TO REOPEN AFTER 11-WEEK CLOSURE
Limited occupancy, separate entrances enforced in response to public health guidance related to the impact of COVID-19
Eugene, OR, Feb. 2, 2021 - The Eugene Family YMCA plans to reopen its doors on Wednesday, Feb. 3, in keeping with updated guidance from public health officials.
The Y facility closed on Wednesday, Nov. 18, when Gov. Kate Brown ordered a freeze in operations in response to the alarming rise of COVID-19 cases. The Y's doors remained closed while Lane County's remained in an Extreme Risk COVID-19 designation.
Guidance and rules issued last week allow for a limited reopening.
"We are grateful to be able to safely serve the community again," said Eugene Family YMCA CEO Brian Steffen. "We have carefully reviewed the guidance, changed our operations in keeping with the safety protocols, and trained our staff to understand the restrictions. We look forward to the day we can serve more people, but we support the critical need for limitations while we combat this deadly virus."
The limited reopening means that members:
- Must make a reservation for use of the facility
- Are limited to 45 minutes of fitness activity inside the Y
- Will be limited to a capacity of 6 people in a given area. Open Areas include:
- Aquatics Center (members enter through the doors closest to the vending machines)
- Health & Wellness Areas (members enter through the van lot doors on the NW corner of the building)
- Tennis Center (members enter directly into the Tennis Center)
- Must maintain 25 feet of physical distancing
- Must wear face coverings or masks (face shields are no longer permitted)
Since December, Outdoor Studio classes have been running and will continue to be available.
The Y's Health and Wellness Center is being redesigned to facilitate 25-foot physical distance between members.
"Members are excited to return to the Y and focus on their physical and mental well-being," said Kim Miller, Eugene Family YMCA Health and Wellness Director. "We are pleased to be able to offer what we can under these new guidelines. We will continue to do our part to stop the spread of COVID-19 while also preserving our community's health and wellness."
The Y's Aquatics Center is being redesigned to allow reservations of 2 (out of 4) lap lanes and one hot tub user at a time.
"Water is such an important component of our members' fitness routines," said Sabrina Hershey Black, the Eugene Family YMCA's Aquatics Director. "Swimming not only provides a low-impact option for exercise, it is also a full-body workout and a form of meditation."
Throughout the 11-week closure, dozens of members have been inquiring about when the Y will reopen. Some do not have the space to participate in virtual fitness classes, and others do not have the home equipment. The Y's reopening is limited, but Y leaders understand it is the first step toward normal operations.
"We understand that our limited reopening may not meet all of our members' needs at this time, but we feel strongly about responding appropriately and safely to this continuing pandemic," said Kari Porter, the Eugene Family YMCA's Senior Director of Membership Experience. "We welcome the day our members can return without restrictions."
Members will be asked to review the Eugene Family YMCA's COVID-19 procedures before returning to the Y.
More than 20 virtual fitness classes will continue to be offered each week in recognition that the limited reopening cannot serve all members and some members may not feel comfortable returning now. Access to the live and recorded classes on the Virtual Y Hub is available for $20 per month.
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About the Eugene Family YMCA
The Eugene Family YMCA is one of the region's leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Each year across Lane County, the Y engages more than 18,000 people regardless of age, gender, income or background--- to nurture the potential of children, teens and seniors; improve health and well-being; and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. In 2019, the Eugene Family YMCA awarded $464,675 in financial assistance. The YMCA has been serving the Eugene-area since 1887.
Media inquires, please contact:
Eugene Family YMCA
Beth Casper
503-302-8776 (mobile)
beth@eugeneymca.org
The Y. For a better us.
Founded in 1887, we're one of Lane County's oldest nonprofits.
