YMCA REOPENING

Updated February 18, 2021

Welcome Back!

We are SO glad to see you back in the YMCA! We are so thankful to be open and serve the community. We are confident that we have been working hard to create a safe, clean space for you to exercise. The YMCA must still follow the Governor's orders for reopening but we are all in a communal effort to get through this current crisis. 

 

HOURS
Mon-Thurs 5:00am-9:00pm, Friday 5:00am-7:00pm, Saturday 7:00am-12:00pm
 

AVAILABLE AMENITIES
           **Facemasks must be worn at all times, even during exercising. This is required by Gov. Walz in his executive order for fitness centers. Those with prohibitive medical conditions are exempt but asked to physical distance 6 feet and clean/sanitize equipment before and after use. We also encourage face shields in this situation.**

• Upstairs Fitness center (Cardio equipment and weight machines)
• Walking Track -No running, one way only
• Downstairs free weight room
• Swimming Pool 
  • Lap Swim, fitness classes, Self-guided Adult rehab swim-reservations required
• Group Fitness Classes (land and water based) 
  • Reservations required
  • 5:30am MWF Body Pump
  • 8:30am MWF Body Pump
  • 5:00pm T/TH Insanity
  • 5:30pm MW Body Pump (Starting March 1st)
  • 6:30am T/TH Morning Yoga 
• Noon Ball Basketball games  CLOSED
  • 10 people actively playing at one time, 5 people on sidelines waiting to switch in, Maximum15 people total playing
  • Players must bring their own basketball
• Gym 2 Basketball Court
  • Singles play or single household only. A 1 hour timeslot can be reserved at the front desk.
• Gym 1 Basketball Court
  • Singles play or single household only. A 1 hour timeslot can be reserved at the front desk.
  • CLOSED from 1:00pm-5:30pm for After School Care
• Men’s and Women’s locker rooms, Upstairs Female Locker Room, Family changing room
  • Locker Rooms are available for changing
  • Showers are available
• Pickleball-Singles only
• Racquetball courts-Single only  
  • Available by reservation.

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MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP DRAFT AND HOLD INFORMATION

• All December dues that drafted were automatically converted into a donation for 2020. If you would like documentation of this, please contact info@fergusfallsymca.org .

• We know that the COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging in many ways and understand that not everyone will be able to support the YMCA through membership maintenance. If you would like to place your membership on hold, please visit the YMCA and complete a hold form.  Your membership will be set on our standard hold for a fee of $5 per month for a maximum of three months, one time per year. This hold form must be completed by the 20th of the month prior to the month you want to hold. If you are unable to visit the Y due to concerns with COVID-19, please email membership@fergusfallsymca.org. The standard hold policy will apply.

• If you wish to cancel your membership, please visit the Fergus Falls YMCA and complete the cancellation form. If you are unable to visit the Y due to concerns with COVID-19, please email membership@fergusfallsymca.org. The standard cancellation policy will apply: Choosing to cancel a membership must be done in writing by the 20th of the month (example: cancel 9/20 and the membership ends 9/30). That month will still draft. Cancelling AFTER the 20th of the month will result in one more draft the following month and the membership ending at the end of the following month. Cancellation may be made by coming into the YMCA and signing a cancellation form or by sending a letter to the YMCA. If you have questions, please contact the Y at 218-739-4489.

 

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Here is what we have done within the facility to make a safer space for everyone:

• Mask requirement for all staff, members, and visitors (except those with a medical condition). Masks are required at all times, including during exercise. This is a requirement for all fitness centers in the state of Minnesota.
• Upstairs fitness center equipment has been spaced out around the walking track. Every other machine is available.
• One-way traffic on the track. Running allowed on treadmills only.
• Partitions in front of the equipment.
• Reduced capacity (no one has been turned away though!)
• A phased approach for reopening various spaces and programs.
• Increased access to hand sanitizer and equipment cleaner.
• Plexiglass at the front desk.

All equipment/machines should be cleaned and sanitized by the members/visitor before and after use. Please leave benches and equipment where they are as equipment has been spaced out to allow for 6 feet of physical distancing.

We miss you! Together, we're a better us.

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COVID Policies*:
*COVID policies are subject to change with local and state regulations. All policies listed below will be in place when we are able to reopen our doors again. Please check back for updates.

Masks
Facemasks that cover the nose and mouth are required when visiting the YMCA. All members and visitors ages 5+ are required to wear the mask at all times as stated in the Governor’s mandate. Individuals with a medical condition are not required to wear masks. However, they are asked to practice strong physical distancing of 12 feet and clean the equipment/machines before and after use. Faceshields are strongly encouraged. Masks are required in all areas of the facility, including while exercising.

Screening Questions
All members, program participants, and visitors must answer the screening questions before entering the facility. We ask that these questions be taken seriously and answered truthfully. Members that have received the COVID-19 shot(s), are still required to wear masks and answer the questions at each visit.

Reservations
Reservations are required for all land and water-based group fitness classes. A reservation is also required to reserve a lap lane, racquetball court, and participate in Self-guided adult rehab swim. Reservations must be made by 2pm the day prior. Spots are limited. (12 participants in land classes, 15 participants in water classes)
        Email Stacey@fergusfallsymca.org  to participate in land-based fitness classes.
        Email Taylor@fergusfallsymca.org  to participate in water-based fitness classes, lap swim, racquetball, and self-guided rehab swim. 

Capacity/Time Limit
The YMCA is limited to opening to 25% of capacity. At this time, the YMCA is allowed to welcome 65 checked in members and visitors into the building at one time.  Members and visitors are asked to limit their time within the building to 90 minutes. Participants in fitness classes can remain in the building for up to two hours.

All are welcome
All members ages 12 and older are welcome to use the facility. Members 11 and under are welcome to use the facility with a parent or guardian. Nationwide Members from other YMCAs are welcome to use the facility but must follow facility policies. Visitors with paid day passes and complimentary guest passes are welcome. All members and visitors must follow the Code of Conduct and respect the COVID policies put in place.

Kids Fit Club
Children 12-14 are welcome to safely and appropriately learn how to use the upstairs cardio equipment. Please contact the front desk to complete an orientation form. Our Health and Wellness Director will contact you to set up a time and date for the training.

Lost or Stolen Items
The YMCA is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Due to COVID limitations, day use lockers are not available currently. Members and visitors are encouraged to leave their valuables in their car, at home, or keep them close by. Chairs and coat racks are available upstairs for changing shoes and hanging jackets.

Frequently Asked Questions:

 

Will I be screened?

Before you enter the YMCA, you will be asked two questions. You must answer these questions every time you visit. If your answers determine that you cannot enter, we will ask you to return home and contact your healthcare provider.

• Have you had one or more of the following new symptoms since the last time you were here that you cannot attribute to another health condition?
  • Fever (100.4˚ F or higher), or feeling feverish?
  • Chills?
  • A new cough?
  • Shortness of breath?
  • A new sore throat?
  • New muscle aches?
  • New headache?
  • New loss of smell or taste?
• Have you been exposed to anyone that is sick or has the symptoms listed above or has been diagnosed with COVID-19?

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 How do I make a reservation?

We will be implementing a reservation system at some point in the near future. Until that happens, please contact the respective person via email to set up the reservation. You should receive an email confirmation.

All reservations must be made by 2pm the day prior. Reservations can only be made for the next day and only 1 slot per day. For Monday reservations, please email by 2pm on Sunday.

Racquetball reservations: 6:00am-7:00am, 10:00am-11:00am, 11:30am-12:30pm, 5:30pm-6:30pm
                    Email taylor@fergusfallsymca.org for your reservations.

Group Exercise Reservations:

• 5:30am-6:30am- Monday and Wednesday, Body Pump- Please indicate what weights you would like set out for you when emailing Stacey for your reservation
• 6:30am-7:15am Tuesday/Thursday, Morning Yoga
• 8:30am-9:30am Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Body Pump- Please indicate what weights you would like set out for you when emailing Stacey for your reservation
• 5:00pm-6:00pm, Tuesday/Thursday, Insanity

Visit class schedule for specifics.  Email stacey@fergusfallsymca.org for your reservations.

Lap Swim in the Swimming pool:
 6:00am-6:45am, 7:00am-7:45am, 8:00am-8:45am, 9:00am-9:45am, 10:00am-10:45am, 11:00am-11:45a, 12:00pm-12:45pm, 4:00pm-4:45pm (M,W only), 5:00pm-5:45pm (M,W only), 
                      Email taylor@fergusfallsymca.org for your lane reservations.

Water Fitness Classes in the swimming pool:  
MWF 8:15am-9:00am, 9:30am-10:15am,
MW 5:45pm -6:30pm 
T/TH 9:45am-10:30am
                      Email taylor@fergusfallsymca.org for your class reservations.
Call for more information! 218.739.4489

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 What else should I know?

Other areas, amenities, and programs will open in a phased approach and will return gradually.

Members/guests should limit themselves to 90 minutes in the building. You can be in the building longer if you are attending a fitness class.

Running will not be allowed on the walking track, but IS allowed on the treadmills. The walking track and cardio/weight areas are ONE-WAY. Please walk all the way around the track when you wish to exit the area. We are working hard to avoid face to face contact.

When entering or leaving the free weight area, please allow only one person on the stairway at a time to avoid coming face to face with another member.

Always bring your card/barcode to check in AND out.

You MUST wipe your equipment/machines down before and after use.

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Who can visit the Y?

All active membership units are welcome to come back and use the Y. Those memberships on hold must remove their hold status before coming back. To remove the hold status, please contact membership@fergusfallsymca.org. 

Nationwide members are encouraged to visit their home YMCA but will have access to the Fergus Falls YMCA. Please inform the member services staff that you are from another YMCA.

Community members and visitors wishing to buy or use a day/week pass are welcome to visit. 

While children are always welcome at the YMCA, at this time, children 11 and under are encouraged to stay active at home unless visiting with a parent.

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What is the Y doing to keep members and staff safe?

The Y has taken many precautions to serve our members and keep them as safe as possible. We have:

• Trained the staff according to CDC, WHO, and MDH guidelines
• Increased access to hand sanitizer and equipment cleaner
• Installed plexiglass at the front desk
• Required staff to wear face coverings (masks) and members are encouraged to wear face coverings (when not working out)
• Reduced capacity to allow for physical distancing
• More space (6 feet) in between exercise equipment, every other piece of equipment removed or turned off.
• Reduced hours to allow for thorough cleaning and sanitizing.
• Implemented a phased approach for opening various spaces and programs
• Installed temporary partitions in front of cardio equipment
• Regularly scheduled cleaning of available equipment.

To ensure member's health and safety, we are implementing these protocols to reduce health risks to our members, program participants, and staff. We also strongly ask that our members also do their own part to ensure their own health and safety by wiping down equipment before and after, practicing physical distancing, and paying attention to their own health. The information above is subject to change at any time.