After closing its facilities on March 17th due to safety concerns surrounding the spread of COVID-19, Governor Murphy’s order closing gyms has been lifted and the YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge & South Amboy will reopen its branches on Tuesday, September 1st. The reopening will be conducted under the guidance of state and local health authorities and will take place in phases.
“The YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge & South Amboy has served the community for almost 100 years, during which we have made it through many challenging times together, none perhaps as impactful for our community and our Y as this COVID crisis,” said Rose Cushing, President & CEO, YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge & South Amboy. “We are thrilled to reopen our facilities, welcoming back our members and the community, and getting back to what we do best – helping everyone reach their full potential.”
In preparation for reopening facilities, the YMCA of MEWSA has been following guidelines from health experts and local officials to ensure all components of facilities, including fitness equipment and areas, locker rooms, child care, visitor areas and office spaces, are cleaned and sanitized to meet the highest standards for hygiene and safety. The Y has also modified policies and programs to facilitate safe social/physical distancing practices.
“When we closed our facilities in March, we did so to protect the health and well-being of all our staff, volunteers, members and participants. As we now reopen our facilities, we do so with that same commitment to keeping everyone who enters our doors safe,” said Cushing.
According to Cushing, the Metuchen, Edison and South Amboy branches will be opening their doors on September 1st. Initial hours of operation will follow internal Phase I protocol designed to be rolled out with the safety of our members in mind. The hours of operation will be Monday through Friday 7am-12pm and 4pm-7pm (by appointment only). The facilities will be closed for Labor Day weekend and be resuming weekend hours beginning September 12th as follows: Saturdays 7am-4pm and Sundays 12pm-4pm (also by appointment only). Indoor fitness will be limited to 25% capacity and there will be smaller Group Fitness classes to ensure adequate spacing between participants. Family swim, lap swim and swim lessons will also be offered. All offerings will be based on a reservation system which can be found at www.ymcaofmewsa.org/schedules.
“We are so excited to reopen our facilities to our community. More importantly, however, our Y has always been more than a building. Our Y is about people – people from all backgrounds and walks of life who come together to improve their lives, nurture their families and strengthen their community,” said Cushing. “We are so incredibly grateful to the people who have stood by us throughout these challenging times. You were here for your community when it needed it most, and we remain here for you.”
For more information about reopening, membership renewal and reactivation and program registration, visit www.ymcaofmewsa.org.
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