MANSFIELD – Like most establishments in the past year that remain on the brink of temporary closure due to COVID-19, workout facilities also face that challenge.
In 2020, many Y members opted out of going to their workout facilities to avoid putting themselves at risk. The Mansfield Area Y wants its members and future members to know that their facility is safe.
“As we cautiously reopened our facility in June, we have been implementing many safety protocols in an effort to reduce health risks for members, staff and other visitors in our facility,” said Cristen Gilbert, president and CEO of the Mansfield Area Y.
Since reopening in June, Ohio Y’s have a low number of cases contact traced to their facilities with a .0002 percent positivity rate, according to the Ohio Alliance of YMCAs.
The Mansfield Area Y along with other YMCAs across Ohio has served over 1,400 children per day in pandemic child care, over 3,000 youth per day through feeding programs and over 10,000 seniors per month with virtual awareness checks. Those services have remained open during shutdowns.
Without those critical services, school-age children would have no care on virtual learning days, food-insecure families would be left without meals and the homeless would be left without shelter.
YMCAs across the country have taken a hit since the pandemic began in 2020, losing $78 million in revenue and 200,000 members. However, since reopening, Ohio Y’s have a low number of cases contact traced to their facilities with a .0002 percent positivity rate, according to the Ohio Alliance of YMCAs.
“We actively track the capacity in our programs and in different areas throughout the building,” Gilbert said. “We have increased the frequency of cleaning on high-touch surfaces, as well as, routine deep cleaning throughout the day. Members have helped keep our facility safe by adhering to our safety protocols and wearing their masks while not actively working out.”
The Mansfield Area Y remains open in 2021, although the sauna and steam room remain closed. One of the areas open includes the indoor swimming pool, which has a commercial-grade ventilation system to help remove byproducts of the chlorine used to maintain the pool water and circulate fresh air to the natatorium patrons.
Despite a decrease in memberships, the Mansfield Area Y continues to receive raving reviews from the Mansfield community for their safety protocols and thinking of members first.
Long time Y member Marty Gottschling appreciates the efforts the staff has made to stay within COVID-19 safety protocols. When the Y reopened, Gottschling said he returned on day two.
“I think (the staff) are doing a good job given the circumstances, and I know it’s a lot of extra work,” Gottschling said. “I mean, you just have people sanitizing and walking around. It is a lot of extra work and money and concern on their part.”
“They’re doing what they need to do to make everybody feel comfortable and safe, and I wouldn’t ask them to do anything else.”
For any questions or to sign up for a membership, visit https://www.mansfieldy.org or call 419-522-3511.
