DES MOINES, Iowa - YMCA locations in metro Des Moines are set to reopen on June 1st. The non profit's Indianola location is open as of today.
YMCA of Greater Des Moines President and CEO Leisha Barcus says the re-openings come with major changes to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. "We have to be careful because of the sweating and the heavy breathing when people are working out," said Barcus.
Barcus says they're working with federal, state and local health officials and YMCA's around the country to develop a careful, phased-in approach to opening facilities.
The following measures are being taken:
- The Des Moines area Y's are implementing the following procedures:
- Thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting each facility
- Developing enhanced sanitation and hygiene protocols
- Sourcing cleaning and sanitation supplies and personal protective equipment
- Implementing personal safety measures for staff and members
- Reconfiguring physical spaces and adjusting equipment to meet capacity and social distancing restrictions
- Developing training programs and instructing staff on new procedures
- Communicating new procedures to members
In the early stages, YMCA swimming pools and locker rooms will stay closed. Group exercise will also be shelved in the beginning.
Barcus says the Y is not expecting big crowds as their facilities reopen. "Some other YMCA's that are in Texas have reported that about 20 percent of their membership is coming back when they first open," Barcus said. "And then when people get more and more comfortable with procedures, with what's happening in the community, then they're starting to come back at greater rates."
The YMCA locations reopening June 1st include:
- John R. Grubb Community YMCA
- South Suburban YMCA
- Walnut Creek YMCA
- Waukee YMCA
- Wellmark YMCA