Metro Atlanta YMCA Locations Reopen, Summer Camp Enrollment Begins
YMCA of Metro Atlanta locations are reopening in a phased approach. The first group reopened May 15.
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YMCA of Metro Atlanta locations are opening up their doors, and soon their summer camps.
A few locations, such as the ones in Buckhead and East Lake, reopened May 15. The rest will reopen May 27 and June 2. Summer camps are also slated to begin June 1.
“… We believe we’ve turned every single stone over. And the reason why we’ve gone in this waved approach over a few branches at a time is because we’re trying to learn as we go and apply those learnings … ” said Parrish Underwood, spokesperson for YMCA of Metro Atlanta.
Underwood said the locations will operate at about 25% to 30% of their capacity to make sure that members and staff are social distancing in the facilities.
Before members can begin to access amenities, they will have to undergo a temperature check and take an online health prescreening. Masks are also mandatory.
So far, Underwood said the challenge is making sure that members keep the mask on and social distance.
“What is interesting … is that people really, really, really miss interaction,” he said. “We’re still a gathering place … So having to help people with the distancing process has probably been a little more daunting task…”
Group exercising and lane swimming are among the amenities that members can enjoy, but they will have to secure their spot in advance. Underwood said that patrons would need to be 10 feet apart from each other to do proper social distancing in a group exercise environment.
Wellness equipment will also be available for use since they have been moved to allow for social distancing.
Some of the areas that members won’t be allowed to visit during this phase are the sauna, basketball court, whirlpool, locker rooms and children’s play area.
Only those who are 18 and over are allowed to go inside of the YMCA right now. However, the organization is planning to open up summer camps to give the kids somewhere to go starting June 1.
The summer camps won’t be like they used to be though, Underwood said. There won’t be any field trips, and only 10 people are allowed to be in the summer camp rooms at a time. So for every adult, there will be nine children.
He said campgoers will have daily temperature checks, spacing between activities and frequent hand washing.
Members have until Wednesday to sign up their child for the summer camp, then the application will be open to the public by the end of Thursday, Underwood said.
Next on the YMCA of Metro Atlanta’s agenda is to unveil subsequent phases to the public, which will include reopening children’s play areas and other facility amenities.
For now, here is when the locations have planned to open up with limited amenities. Visit the YMCA of Metro Atlanta’s website for more details about reopening information.
Open since May 15
Carl E. Sanders Family YMCA at Buckhead
Northwest Family YMCA (Kennesaw)
Robert D. Fowler Family YMCA (Peachtree Corners)
Wednesday, May 27
Isakson/Alpharetta Family YMCA
J.M. Tull-Gwinnett Family YMCA
McCleskey-East Cobb Family YMCA
The Villages at Carver Family YMCA
Tuesday, June 2
Andrew & Walter Young Family YMCA
Cecil Pruett Community Center Family YMCA
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