For Hub City Times

MARSHFIELD – After closing its facilities on March 18 due to safety concerns surrounding the spread of COVID-19, the Marshfield Clinic Health System YMCA has opened its doors again on May 20, to members only.

The reopening is conducted under the guidance of state and local health authorities and will take place in phases.

“The Marshfield Clinic Health System YMCA has served the Marshfield area for more than 33 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 John Nystrom, YMCA CEO. “We are thrilled to begin re-opening our facility, welcoming back our members, and getting back to what we do best – helping everyone reach their full potential.”

YMCA officials say that the facilities had been following guidelines from health experts and local officials to ensure all components of the facility, 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 YMCA 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, members, participants and volunteers. As we now re-open our facility, we do so with that same commitment to keeping everyone who enters our doors safe,” said Nystrom.

According to Nystrom, the first phase of reopening will include reduced hours and limiting the facility and certain programs to members only. There will not be guest or day passes.

The Y is limiting capacities in the facility and areas and controlling entrances and exits to ensure physical distancing. Cardio and strength equipment have been spaced apart to promote distancing. Staff will have their temperatures checked when they come to work, and wear face coverings. Members are not required to wear face masks during workouts, but they must wash hands before and after their workouts.

The Aquatic Center will open on June 1 and will have capacity limits. Locker rooms are open, but the men’s and women’s locker room saunas will remain closed. There will only be open gym – no group or one-on-one activities in the Fieldhouse during phase one.

Additional phases of reopening could include, group programs such as swim lessons, youth sports, and expanded group exercise classes; however, the Y will not move into subsequent phases of this plan until the Y deems its safety protocols to be successful and its members to be cooperative in adhering to social distancing guidelines.

For more information, visit mfldymca.org or call 715-387-4900.