As a community, we’ve ALL been doing our part to keep everyone safe during the pandemic. In July 2020, we opened with safety protocols that helped prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Thank you for your part in keeping our community safe.
With new guidance from the CDC and Commonwealth of Massachusetts we will be making some changes starting June 1, 2021 at the Andover/North Andover YMCA:
We will be following the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and CDC guidelines and recommendations around masks
Staff Mask Wearing
Equipment
Other Amenities
Our policies have been made with consideration of ALL the populations we serve. We will share any policy updates as soon as possible as the situation continues to evolve. If you have any further questions please reach out to Andover/North Andover YMCA Associate Executive Director Kelley O’Hara at kohara@mvymca.org.
Current guidelines will remain unchanged. We will update this page with any new information as guidelines at the federal, state and local level continue to change.
Waivers: Members will be asked to sign a waiver before they return to the Y for the first time. Please click the link below to sign the waiver online before coming in.
Hours: In the current phase of reopening, branch hours will remain the same. Please visit our Location page for current hours.
Screening: Andover/North Andover: We will no longer be screening visitors.
Lawrence and Methuen: All staff and members will go through a screening process upon entering the building.
Masks:
Andover/North Andover
Lawrence and Methuen: Masks must be worn at all times.
Reservations Required: Swimmers must reserve a time to use our pools by visiting our Andover/North Andover Pool Schedule or Lawrence Pool Schedule. Reservations will no longer be required in the Wellness Center.
PPE for Staff: All staff working directly with members will be wearing masks and other personal protective equipment.
More Sanitizing Stations: We are providing single-use disinfectant wipes for exercise machines and have added more hand sanitizing stations throughout our Y.
Protective Shields: We will have shields installed in our welcome centers and we ask that you complete any enrollments or account changes via email or phone.
Spaces Redesigned for Social Distance: All open areas inside the Y have been evaluated and redesigned where necessary to help ensure social distancing between members. You’ll see signage throughout our facilities to help guide you and, as always, our staff is here to answer your questions.
We appreciate our members’ adherence to the following safety precautions during their visits:
Stay Home if You’re Sick: Members should stay home if they don’t feel well.
Keep Your Distance: Please exercise on designated equipment only and respect all signage regarding social distancing. Strive to maintain at least six feet between you and others whenever possible.
Remember to Wipe Down & Sanitize Equipment: Please help us reduce the risk of exposure by wiping down all equipment, weights, etc. with the provided cleaning materials.
To take your account off hold, please email Member Services Coordinator Linda Comeau at Lcomeau@mvymca.org.
Please visit our Locations page for the most up to date information on hours of operation for each of our branches.
Like before, members are expected to clean equipment and machines before and after use. Staff in the branch will also clean equipment after usage. Both disinfectant wipes and spray bottles and paper towels will be available. Staff will also continuously wipe down high touch point areas.
Starting June 1, 2021, members will not be required to make a reservation to workout in our Wellness Centers. Members who want to use the pool, must reserve a time on the Andover/North Andover Pool Schedules page or the Lawrence Pool Schedule page. Swim times will be limited to 50-minute blocks to allow for time to clean and disinfect between swimmers.
All members and staff will be required to enter and exit from the building via the front entrance. No one will be allowed to enter or exit the building from the side door near the childcare area.
No, due to the strict childcare regulations, members and staff are not able to exit through the side door by childcare.
Starting June 1, 2021, members will not be required to go through a screening process to enter the Andover/North Andover YMCA. Screenings will continue at the Lawrence and Methuen YMCAs. New waivers must also be signed prior to entry of the building.
Starting June 1, 2021, the following guidelines will be in place at the Andover/North Andover YMCA in accordance with CDC and Commonwealth of Massachusetts guidelines:
Masks are required at all times at the Lawrence and Methuen YMCAs.
At the Andover/North Andover Y, the Lap Pool and Teaching Pool and Family pool are now open. The pool at the Lawrence Y is also open. Swimmers must make reservations for swim times. Please visit the Schedule page for your branch to reserve a swim time. At the Andover/North Andover Y, the saunas are now open. The Whirlpool and Steam Room will open after inspection (by July 1). The Splash Pad remains closed.
Andover/North Andover YMCA: All locker rooms are open. The Saunas are open
Lawrence YMCA: The men’s, women’s, boy’s, and girl’s locker rooms will be open for limited use. Saunas remain closed.
Open Swim is back at the Andover/North Andover YMCA. Reservations are required. Please visit the Andover/North Andover Pool Schedule page to view times and make a reservation.
Members ages 13+ can sign up for a lane by using the reservation system on our Andover/North Andover Pool Schedule page or calling the branch at 978-685-3541.
A staff member will be on deck to help check swimmers in at their designated swim times and assist with organization.
Swim reservations are for 50 min blocks to allow for changeover time and time to disinfect between swimmers.
No, not at this time. However, we will continue to monitor the pool usage.
Starting June 1, 2021, communal pool equipment including kickboards, pull buoys, noodles, water weights and water belts will be available. However, swimmers, including teams, are encouraged to bring their own.
Starting June 1, 2021, locker rooms will be open and lockers will be available for use.
Basketball gyms will be closed for the general public. Family Open Gym times are available, by reservation only at the Andover/North Andover Y for families who live together. Visit our Andover/North Andover Schedule Page for more information.
Yes, the Andover/North Andover and Lawrence wellness centers will be open. No reservations required.
Wellness center equipment such as foam rollers, chalk, battle ropes and TRX straps will be available for use. Members are encouraged to bring their own mats from home.
We are currently offering in person and virtual group exercise classes. Please make a reservation by visiting our Andover/North Andover Group Exercise Schedule page.
Children 9 years and up may workout on the first floor alongside their parents at all times. Children 13 years and up may use both floors of the wellness center.
As of June 1, 2021 all locker rooms will be open at the Andover/North Andover YMCA.
We are offering Youth Programming at our Andover/North Andover YMCA in a limited capacity. Please visit our Programs Page for more information on current programs.
Childwatch is currently open on selected days and times. Please visit our Childwatch page for the latest information.
The Active Living Center is open. Please visit our Active Living Center page for hours and class schedules.
Fitness Refreshments is currently closed.
Basketball games are not yet permitted based on state guidelines. However, our outdoor courts are available by reservation only for families who live together. Visit our Andover/North Andover Gym Schedules page for more information or to make a reservation.
In order to best protect our members and staff, we will not be offering towel service at this time.
Our water fountains will not be available for use. However, the water bottle filling stations will remain on. Water is available in our vending machines.
No. Nationwide reciprocity is currently suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic and members are limited to the use of their own home YMCAs. If you decide to switch your membership to our Y, you can waive the joiner fee by providing us with a letter of good standing or cancelation from your home YMCA.
The Merrimack Valley YMCA continues to support our members and the community through the COVID-19 crisis and beyond. Members who continued their memberships have helped support our efforts to meet critical needs during this pandemic including:
Please check this page for updates on current COVID-19 guidelines and procedures. You can also stay connected with us through Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
We do also send email updates to our members. If you are not on our email mailing list and would like to be, please send your request to ymcainfo@mvymca.org.