This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author’s own.
The YMCA of Metro North opened its gyms with a cautious and phased reopening plan this summer. It completed its plan in early September and is now fully open for its members.
“Anytime Fitness in Peabody and the BSC in Lynnfield just closed their doors and we want those members to know we are open and ready to welcome them,” says Kathleen Walsh, President and CEO of the YMCA of Metro North association. “We’re here for our community. The Y has been keeping people healthy for 160 years and we don’t plan on going anywhere anytime soon.”
“We survey our members daily asking for their feedback and checking up on problems or issues that arise,” said Rob Lowell, Executive Director of the Torigian YMCA in Peabody. “One of our members said they feel safer coming into the Y than going into most other public spaces. We’ve stayed vigilant about following our safety protocols. I think that kind of consistency gives people confidence in our systems.”
“Everyone shows real concern for the members. One feels totally at ease inquiring about any aspect of programs or procedures,” says Brian Chenery, a member of the Torigian YMCA in Peabody. “I feel so comfortable here that I have terminated a 16-year membership at another health club. That is how impressed I have been.”
View more testimonials from members of the YMCA.
During its shutdown, the YMCA of Metro North completely overhauled its facilities. They invested more than $50,000 in state-of-the-art equipment to mitigate the risk of coronavirus transmission. In addition to required PPE, the association purchased plexiglass shields for its cardio and strength equipment, redesigned spaces to allow for more social distancing, added more staff hours to cleaning and sanitation, and requires reservations for pool lanes and group exercise activities to reduce congestion.
“We expect to see more members returning soon, and with some gyms in the area closing, we have new people trying out the Y as well,” says Sandy St. Louis, Senior Director of Marketing and Membership.
The YMCA of Metro North continues to add more swim lessons, fitness classes, and has brought back amenities like Child Watch in a limited capacity. The association has started its first, 5-week Fall class session this week and will hold a second, 7-week Fall class session beginning on October 26th.
Stop by any of its locations:
Torigian YMCA (Peabody)
259 Lynnfield Street Peabody, MA 01960
978-977-9622
Lynn YMCA
20 Neptune Blvd. Lynn, MA 01902
781-581-3105
Melrose YMCA
497 Main Street Melrose, MA 02176
781-665-4360
Saugus YMCA
298 Main Street Saugus, MA 01906
781-233-9622
The views expressed in this post are the author’s own. Want to post on Patch?