The Merrimack Valley YMCA staff team is committed to reopening in a way that provides for the health and safety of our members. As state recommendations have changed, we have continued to work and rework our reopening plan. While Governor Baker has declared that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Reopening Plan Phase 3 will start on Monday, July 6, 2020, we have decided as an organization to fully open our buildings on July 13, 2020. This will allow us to create the best plan for the constant changing regulations around the health and wellness space, ensuring we have the proper protocols and procedures in place to keep everyone safe. Members who have stayed with us, donors, and volunteers will be able to utilize the building starting . Please note that this date could be changed again by the governor.
Getting Ready to Welcome You Back!
Buildings Open July 13, 2020
Some Programs Start July 6, 2020
Because they fall in Phase 2, we will be offering the following programs starting on July 6, 2020:
- Full day preschool and school age childcare at the Andover/North Andover, Lawrence, and Methuen YMCAs for registered participants. For more information about registration, please email Cathy Redard at credard@mvymca.org.
- One-on-One Personal Training at the Andover/North Andover YMCA. Members must schedule this ahead of time through Chuck Garlington at cgarlington@mvymca.org.
- Outdoor Small Group Exercise classes at the Andover/North Andover YMCA. Pre-registration is required on our Group Exercise Schedules page
- Youth Programs will also stagger start dates over the next two weeks. Individual program directors and coaches will be in directcontact with participants. To find out information about our program offerings, please visit our Summer 2020 Programs page.
- Camp Otter will be open to New Hampshire residents only (per order of the Governor of New Hampshire). If you live in New Hampshire and would like to register your child, please contact campinfo@mvymca.org.
We continue to work with state and local officials to ensure we have the proper protocols and procedures in place to keep everyone as safe as possible. While the Y will look different, we are so excited to be able to welcome you back into our buildings. Below is some information about what to expect when you return. We will be updating this page as information becomes available so please check back often.
Before You Visit
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.
New Procedures at the Andover/North Andover YMCA
Watch our videos for highlights on what to expect when you return to the Andover/North Andover YMCA
New Procedures at the Lawrence YMCA
Watch our video for highlights on what to expect when you return to the Lawrence YMCA
What You Can Expect When You Visit
Special Hours: In the first phase of reopening, the Andover/North Andover and Lawrence YMCAs will be open from 7:00am to 7:00pm Monday through Friday. The Andover/North Andover YMCA will be open from 7:00am to 12:00pm on Saturday and Sunday. The Lawrence YMCA will be closed on Saturday and Sunday.
Single Entry/Exit: To help us maintain our safety protocols, doors at the front entrance are now one-way and are clearly marked. All members and staff will be asked to use the main entrance. No one will be allowed to enter or exit from the side entrance near childcare.
Screening: All staff and members will go through a screening process upon entering the building. A staff member will be in the lobby to greet you, take your temperature and ask you some questions about how you are feeling. If you answer no to all of the questions, you will be allowed to come in and use the facility. For the safety of all, if you answer yes, you will not be allowed in and must complete a waiting period of 48 hours before returning. Once you have completed this health screening, you can proceed to the second computer at the front desk to scan in.
Time Limits: Please plan on spending no longer than 90 minutes at Y so that others may also be able to use the facility.
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.
How We're Asking Members to Help Maintain Safety
We appreciate our member’s 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.
Expect Reduced Capacity: To ensure proper social distancing, our wellness areas will have a limited capacity. At times of full capacity, you will be asked to wait in a designated area until space is available.
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.
Follow Facility Signage: You’ll notice lots of signage around our facility to let you know which equipment and areas are available and where you can find sanitizing supplies.
Wear a Mask When Close to Others: Please keep your mask on while you’re within 6 feet of others. We’ve spaced out our equipment so you can take it off while actually working out, but please put it back on when you’re crossing paths with another member or staff.
FAQs
What are your hours of operation?
The Andover/North Andover YMCA will be open from 7:00am to 7:00pm Monday through Friday and from 7:00am to 12:00pm on Saturday and Sunday. The Lawrence YMCA will be open from 7:00am to 7:00pm Monday through Friday and will be closed on Saturday and Sunday.
What are the YMCA cleaning procedures?
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.
Will you be limiting the number of people in the building?
Yes, we will be tracking the number of people who scan in at the front desk. Once capacity (as outlined in state and local guidelines) is reached, we will not allow anyone else to enter the building. We are asking members to limit their time in the building to 90 minutes.
Do I need to make a reservation to work out?
You will not need to make a reservation to work out in our wellness area, but we are asking members to limit their time to 90 minutes to allow others to enjoy the facility. Members who want to use the pool, must reserve a time. Swim times will be limited to 50-minute blocks to allow for time to clean and disinfect between swimmers.
Where can I enter/exit the Andover/North Andover Y?
All members and staff will be required to enter and exit from the building via the front entrance. The doors will be one-way and are clearly marked Enter and Exit. No one will be allowed to enter or exit the building from the side door near the childcare area.
Can I exit from the side door at the Andover/North Andover Y?
No, due to the strict childcare regulations, members and staff are not able to exit through the side door by childcare.
What is the check in procedure?
All staff and members will go through a screening process upon entering the building. Temperature checks will be done for all members and staff. Masks will be required in common areas. New waivers must also be signed prior to entry of the building.
Will I need to wear a mask?
Yes, members will need to wear masks as they move through the building but will be able to remove their mask once they reach their designated workout space.
How long can I stay in the building?
We are asking members to limit their time in the building to 90 minutes or less.
Will the pools be open?
At the Andover/North Andover Y, the Lap Pool and Teaching Pool will be open. The pool at the Lawrence Y will also be open. Swimmers must make reservations for swim times. The Family Pool area at the Andover/North Andover Y, including splash pad, steam room, and hot tub will be closed to the general public.
Will the locker rooms and saunas be open?
The Family Locker room will be closed. The men’s, women’s, boy’s, and girl’s locker rooms will be open for limited use. Lockers will be unavailable for use and the saunas will remain closed. Locker rooms should only be used for restrooms if necessary and for swimmers to rinse off prior to entering the pool area per the Department of Public Health.
Will there be open swim?
Initially, we will only be offering lap swim and water walking by reservation in the Lap and Teaching pools. To reserve a time for lap swim or water walking, please visit our Andover/North Andover Pool Schedule page.
How do I reserve a lane in the pool?
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.
How do I check in for my swim time?
A staff member will be on deck to help check swimmers in at their designated swim times and assist with organization.
How long can I swim for?
Swim reservations are for 50 min blocks to allow for changeover time and time to disinfect between swimmers.
Can I sign up for a double swim time?
No, not at this time. However, we will continue to monitor the pool usage.
Will I be able to use a YMCA kickboard or other pool equipment?
Communal pool equipment including kickboards, pull buoys, noodles, water weights and water belts will not be available. Swimmers, including teams, are encouraged to bring their own.
Where can I store my belongings while swimming?
We are encouraging members to bring only what is necessary into the building. We will have designated areas to store belongings on the pool deck for each swimmer.
Will the gymnasium be open?
Basketball gyms will be closed for the general public.
Will the Wellness Center be open?
Yes, both floors of the wellness center will be open. Equipment has been spaced for safety and members are asked to maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from other members.
Will all equipment be available for use?
We have removed some small equipment for safety reasons including mats, foam rollers, chalk, battle ropes, TRX straps, and other porous accessories. Members are welcome to bring their own items from home and take them with them when they leave.
Will you be offering Group Exercise classes?
During our initial reopening phase, Group Exercise classes will be held outside. Class participants must bring their own mats and equipment from home. We will continue to offer virtual classes as well during this first phase.
Will I need to wear a mask while working out?
Masks must be worn when entering and leaving the building and in all common areas. You may remove your mask during exercise.
Can my child work out with me?
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.
Where can I store my belongings while working out?
We are encouraging members to bring only what is necessary into the building. Day lockers on the wellness floor and by the group ex classrooms will be available.
Will you offer Youth Programming?
We will bring on youth programming in a limited capacity. Swim team, Synchro team, Basketball skill clinics, and Baseball/T-Ball will likely be the first programs offered. Other programs will be added as we are able to offer them safely. More information on youth programming to follow.
Will Childwatch be open?
Due to social distancing regulations, childwatch will not be open when we initially open. We will continue to update members on the status of childwatch.
Can I bring my children in to the Y?
Per our policies, youth 9 to 12 years old can workout downstairs under the supervision of their parent(s) or guardian(s). Youth 13 years and older are able to use our facility independently. We are asking members to leave children under the age of 9 at home during this first phase or reopening.
Will the Active Living Center be open?
At this time we are delaying the opening of spaces dedicated to vulnerable populations and those at high risk. We will be offering virtual group ex classes for seniors, as well as some in person offerings.
Is Fitness Refreshments opening?
Fitness Refreshments is planning on opening pending the local officials allow for cafe services.
When will the outdoor Basketball Courts be open?
At this time the outdoor basketball courts will remain close for public use, as basketball games are not yet permitted based on the state guidelines.
Will you have towel service?
In order to best protect our members and staff, we will not be offering towel service at this time.
Will your water fountains be available for use?
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 and at Fitness Refreshments.
How can I renew my membership or take it off hold?
For information about your membership, please email ymcainfo@mvymca.org.
Can I use my membership from another Y to come to the Merrimack Valley YMCA?
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.
Thank you for Staying With Us
While our branches have been closed, the Merrimack Valley YMCA has been here to support you and your family during these uncertain times. Continuing your monthly membership during this time has helped us provide essential services and will help us return strong and ready to serve you and our communities. Your membership has helped support our efforts to meet critical needs during this pandemic including:
- Weekly food drives and food programs, which provide more than 400 grab and go meals each weeknight to children, teens and individuals in our community.
- The Lawrence YMCA Food Pantry, which serves more than 200 families and individuals each week.
- Housing for the 73 formerly homeless men currently living at the Lawrence YMCA.
- Virtual exercise and family programming to keep our members connected with each other and engaged while our branches are temporarily closed.
We understand that this season is difficult for many, and the best course of action is not a “one size fits all” solution. If you wish to do something other than continue your membership drafts as scheduled, please contact us at ymcainfo@mvymca.org.
Covid-19 Membership FAQs
How do I put my membership on hold?
To place your account on hold please email ymcainfo@mvymca.org.
How do I cancel my membership?
Cancellations during our COVID-19 branch closures can be done via email ymcainfo@mvymca.org
How do I get my insurance reimbursement letter during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Insurance reimbursement letters can be requested by emailing ymcainfo@mvymca.org.
What are my membership fees supporting during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Membership fees continue to let us best serve our communities during the COVID-19 pandemic in variety of different ways:
- We are offering group ex and programming virtually which can be accessed here: www.mvymca.org/meetushere.
- We are offering meals and food to those in need through our food pantry and dinner program. Each week we are serving over 2000 dinners, while also providing food for over 200 families at our food pantry. For more information about our food insecurity programs, please visit our website at www.mvymca.org/pantry.
- We are continuing to provide support to our students in our educational initiatives, such as Adelante.
- Finally, we are continuing to house and provide services for 73 homeless men at the Lawrence YMCA.
Please contact us at ymcainfo@mvymca.org if you have any questions.
When are you reopening?
We are closely monitoring information about COVID-19 and continue to make adjustments according to the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), YMCA of the USA, and the state and local public health officials. We will continue to update our website and send out email communication as we learn more.
Will you be offering Childcare this summer?
Per the commissioner of the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) had announced that non-emergency child care centers are currently closed through at least June 29, 2020.We continue to monitor any updates from EEC regarding a reopening date. We anticipate new regulations and guidelines for all licensed child care programs upon reopening. All child care staff will be trained on the new policies and procedures prior to reopening.
As news surrounding attempts to contain COVID-19 develop, we will continue to update you on all important decisions. 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.