GREEN BAY (NBC 26) — The Greater Green Bay YMCA announced it will begin reopening some facilities after being closed since March 16 due to COVID-19 safety concerns.
The Y staff say the East Side, West Side, and Broadview branches will reopen in phases starting June 1. The Ferguson Family YMCA downtown will follow shortly after, with no specific date as of yet.
“The Greater Green Bay YMCA has served this community for 149 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 Sean Elliott, President/CEO of Greater Green Bay 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.”
Elliott explains the Y has modified policies and programs to social distancing while in the facility. The Y has been following guidelines from health experts and local officials to make sure all facilities are cleaned and sanitized to meet the highest standards for hygiene and safety. This includes fitness equipment, locker rooms, child care, visitor areas, and office spaces.
According to Elliot, the first reopening phase will have the East Side, West Side, and Broadview location's Wellness Center use only. This includes the cardio and strength equipment, which has been rearranged to ensure physical distancing. YMCA staff have gone through additional health and safety training, following additional cleaning and sanitation procedures.
Elliot says additional phases of reopening will include adding group exercise classes, personal training, and Child Watch services back. Youth sports, programs such as dance, gymnastics and swim, as well as other programs will be added as soon as the Y is able to do so safely and effectively.
For more information about reopening, visit the Greater Green Bay YMCA website.
