The YMCA of Greater Houston is opening the pools today, the first step of their planned phased reentry plan to the way things used to be. Outdoor group exercise resumes, and lap swimming. And they are preparing for summer camp for the kids, one for those 5 to 11 years of age and a teen youth camp for those 12 to 15.
These are the facilities:
Fort Bend Family YMCA
Harriet and Joe Foster Family YMCA
Lake Houston Family YMCA
Langham Creek Family YMCA
Mark A. Chapman YMCA
D. Bradley McWilliams YMCA
The Woodlands YMCA at Shadowbend
Tellepsen Family Downtown YMCA
Trotter Family YMCA
WD Ley Family YMCA
Weekley Family YMCA
For outdoor group exercise and lap swimming only:
The Woodlands YMCA at Branch Crossing
Brenda and John Duncan YMCA
Monty Ballard YMCA at Cinco Ranch
Perry Family YMCA
Vic Coppinger Family YMCA
For summer day/teen camp (through September 1):
Alief Family YMCA
Conroe Family YMCA
EA Smith Family YMCA
MD Anderson Family YMCA
Houston Texans YMCA
Thelma Ley Anderson YMCA
TW Davis Family YMCA
West Orem Family YMCA
Ina press release, the YMCA provided the following information for the public:
“We are looking forward to seeing members June 1 swimming in the pool, doing group exercise outside and teens and children connecting with each other in a safe camp environment,” said Stephen Ives, President and CEO, YMCA of Greater Houston. “As we get more comfortable and understand the processes that need to take place and see how things happen in our community, we will gradually reopen much of what was happening before. While things may not be the same, we have to adhere to Social distancing and take precautions to do our part to keep the community safe.”
YMCA of Greater Houston will announce reopen timing at a later date for other programs and services such as fitness centers, indoor group exercise, child watch, additional youth programs and more.
All centers will comply with orders and recommendations set forth by Gov. Greg Abbott, Centers for Disease Control and local officials. Additionally, the YMCA of Greater Houston will implement its own supplementary health and safety measures to ensure the utmost safety for staff and members. During this phase, measures include, but are not limited to:
Outdoor group exercise capacity will be determined by the square footage of the defined activity area per 120 sq. ft., meaning there should be 10-12 feet between participants
For the aquatic environments, the Y will be conducting chemical checks every hour, sanitizing pool decks daily and regularly cleaning rails, handles, etc.
Members will be required to register for classes online and to check-in upon arrival
Members are encouraged to wear face masks while checking in and waiting for their activity to begin; a majority of staff will be required to wear facemasks (based on area of work)
Lockers, showers and changing facilities will not be available, although toilet facilities will be available for use
Water fountains and bottle fillers will be closed – members are encouraged to bring their own
Members should bring their own towel and yoga mat
Members will be temperature checked upon entry
YMCA of Greater Houston’s Summer Day Camp and Teen Camp teams are preparing for a safe and fantastic summer experience for kids. While camp will look different from summers past, families can still count on the same safe, high quality, fun-filled program that you expect from the YMCA. The YMCA is excited to offer day camp for youth ages 5-11 and teen camp for youth 12-15. Additional details regarding registration and session dates can be found here.
Below are some of the guidelines that the YMCA of Greater Houston plans to follow for summer camps.
Restricted access to child care/camp spaces to only staff and participants
Small group sizes with a 1:9 ratio with a significantly reduced capacity for the entire camp program
Separate rooms for each group of young people with the same staff each day
Multiple temperature checks and health screenings each day
Social distancing throughout the entire program
Scheduled handwashing and access to hand sanitizer
Staff are currently wearing face masks in our essential child care program and will continue this practice during day camp
Increased cleaning and disinfecting processes throughout the day
As the Y’s commitment to the community, the organization will not draft member dues for the month of June while the phased approach is being implemented. All active members whether on hold or contributing will be welcomed back. The Y is grateful to the members who have opted into contributions in support of our response efforts.
The reopened centers will operate Monday through Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., with the exception for summer camps and child care. Schedules for outdoor group exercise and lap swimming will be available on the YMCA of Greater Houston website no later than Tuesday, May 26. Members and the community are encouraged to stay engaged through the virtual YMCA platform offering exercise classes, activities for kids and families, and multiple opportunities for connection.
While the buildings were closed during COVID-19, the YMCA of Greater Houston continued to serve the community in unique and impactful ways. From child care for essential personnel to food distribution and well checks for seniors, the Y is continuing to play an integral role in the community during this crisis. The Y will continue to offer these services for individuals in need. To date, the YMCA of Greater Houston has:
Distributed 5 million lbs. of food at 26 locations and five opportunity centers in partnership with the Houston Food Bank, Montgomery County Food Bank and Brighter Bites, serving over 347,000 individuals
Served over 10,000 seniors through wellness checks, comfort cards and meal deliveries
Transformed 12 of its centers to host childcare for essential personnel, caring for 668 children to date
Provided virtual content to over 30,000 individuals per week
Additional updates on specific plans can be found on the YMCA of Greater Houston www.ymcahouston.org and Facebook @YMCAHouston and Instagram @YMCAHouston.