North Suburban YMCA Reopens Facilities Under Phase 3 Guidelines

With CDC and state and local government guidelines in place, the North Suburban YMCA opened its facilities with limited programming for its members on Monday, June 8. Child care and summer day camp programs are scheduled to open later in June. The Y has been closed since March 16 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"We’re thrilled to begin reopening our facilities, welcoming back our members, and doing what we do best – helping people improve their lives, nurture their families, and strengthen their community,” said Kathy Fielding, CEO of the North Suburban YMCA, adding, "We’re so grateful to the people who have stood by us throughout these difficult times and we remain here to support you and our community.”

The Y’s Phase Three Plan follows the reopening guidelines of the Restore Illinois plan allowing the Y to open to one-on-one personal training, outdoor fitness classes with a nine participant restriction, and limited childcare/summer programs. The NSYMCA has also implemented a thorough staff training program on the new protocols for Covid-19 and monitors all social distancing policies for anyone in the Y facility.

New measures have been enforced to help ensure the health and safety for all YMCA members and staff including adding hand-sanitizing stations, touchless check-in, frequent building cleanings, social distancing directions, and mandatory wearing of masks upon entering the building. Additionally, the Y has implemented the following Phase Three guidelines:

• Group Exercise classes limited to 9 participants
• Wellness checks upon entering the facility or participating in a class
• Social distancing maintained

• Plexiglas barriers provided at front desk
• Standardized cleaning for every room
• Hourly cleaning of high touch areas
• Limited total facility access by person per square foot
• Closing of public access areas such as the lobby, gym, and locker rooms
• Maintaining new facility hours through Phase Three: Monday - Friday 6am-6pm; Saturday 7am-1pm; Sunday: closed.
• Virtual group exercise, adult education programming, and other classes will continue to be offered online.

The NSYMCA’s School Day Out program will run its half-day schedule during the weeks of June 15-19 and June 22-26. Due to capacity restrictions, 9 children will be accepted in each age group. Under Phase Four of the Restore Illinois Plan, the Y has scheduled its all-day summer camp programming beginning Monday, June 29.

"When we closed our facilities in March, we did it to protect the health and well-being of all our staff, volunteers, members, and participants. As we reopen our facilities, we do so with that same commitment to keeping everyone who enters our doors safe," said Fielding.

For questions or concerns regarding the YMCA’s phased reopening plan, contact Kathy Fielding, CEO at [email protected] or Shannon Mundorf, Director of Arts & Risk Management at [email protected], or visit www.nsymca.org.

About the North Suburban YMCA

The North Suburban YMCA services Northbrook and 14 surrounding communities with programs and tools that help its residents become healthier, more connected, and confident, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. The NSYMCA focuses on Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility and is a charitable organization, inclusive and welcoming to all in our community. Learn more at NSYMCA.org.