Reopening with Care

Lap Pools

Lap pools at the following locations are open:

• Andover YMCA
• Blaisdell YMCA
• Burnsville YMCA
• Eagan YMCA
• Elk River YMCA
• Emma B. Howe Northtown Family YMCA
• Forest Lake YMCA
• Hastings YMCA
• Hudson, WI YMCA
• New Hope YMCA
• Ridgedale YMCA
• Rochester YMCA
• St. Paul Eastside YMCA
• St. Paul Midway YMCA
• Shoreview YMCA
• Southdale YMCA
• White Bear Area YMCA
• Woodbury YMCA

Pool schedules for each location can be found here.

Leisure Pools

Leisure Pools at the following locations are open:

• Andover YMCA
• Burnsville YMCA
• Eagan YMCA
• Elk River YMCA
• Emma B. Howe Northtown Family YMCA
• Forest Lake YMCA
• Hudson, WI YMCA
• Rochester YMCA
• St. Paul Eastside YMCA
• St. Paul Midway YMCA
• Woodbury YMCA

Leisure pool schedule at all locations:

• 6:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. – Adult  use only
• 10:30 a.m. – Close – Family open swim

Pool schedules for each location can be found here.

Vortex Pools

Vortex pools are open without current at the following locations:

• St. Paul Midway

Outdoor Pools

The following splash pools are open:

• Shoreview YMCA
• White Bear Area YMCA

The 50 meter outdoor pool at the Shoreview YMCA is scheduled to open on July 13.

• Pool occupancy will be limited to a location-specific capacity and will be first-come, first serve.
• A minimum of 6 feet physical distance will be required. 
• Our pools will be open and dedicated to lap swim, water exercise, individual workouts and open family swim at this time. Vortex pools will be open, but will not have current.
• Maximum of two people per lap lane will be required at this time. 
• Maximum of two people in the Vortex pool (where applicable) will be adhered to at this time.
• All members must shower prior to pool use. 
• Hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms are temporarily closed. 
• Swim testing will be available, with wristbands available at Member Services.
• Limited pool equipment will be available and varies by location. 
• Enhanced cleaning protocols of high touch areas will happen. 
• Waterslides and features are temporarily closed. 
• We are not currently offering swim team, swim lessons and other programming because of capacity restrictions from government and health officials. As capacity restrictions are increased from 25 percent, we will be able to offer additional important swim programs for our community.   

Splash Decks are now open. Please check with your local Fitness & Wellness Center for details.

• Elk River YMCA – Now open!
• Emma B. Howe Northtown YMCA - Now open!
• Forest Lake YMCA – Now open!
• New Hope YMCA – Now open!
• Shoreview YMCA – Now open!
• White Bear Lake YMCA – Now open!

Yes. The YMCA will not be providing lifejackets or other pool equipment at this time. Please bring your own lifejackets, goggles, fins, swim belts or other equipment you may need for your visit.

• No, all water exercise classes are first-come, first serve. Participants are to pick up a WEX pass at the check-in desk to ensure spot in class
• For a list of all Water exercise class offerings, please visit our website or our Y App.
   

• Consistent cleaning of high-touch points – railings, ladders, door handles and seating areas will happen.
• Pool seating will be spaced 6 feet apart. 
• Shared pool equipment will be temporarily unavailable for member use.

During Family Open Swim, parents will be asked to be present on the pool deck when anyone under the age of 16 is swimming. The Y won’t be able to provide lifejackets or other pool toys, but you are welcome to provide your own.

Swim Lessons will begin July 20.

• Group Swim Lessons are available July 20 - August 30. Online registration is now available. You can register at any time starting July 7. Accelerated lessons are available throughout the summer.
• Small Group Swim Lessons also begin July 20. Learn more about this program, and how to register, here.
• Private Swim lessons can also be scheduled to begin on or after July 20 and you can find more details on the program and how to register here.

• Stringent sanitation protocols for proper disinfection, operation and maintenance continue to be followed as well as additional procedures to achieve a new level of cleanliness.  
• Continuous scheduled disinfection of high-touch surfaces throughout the YMCA will occur.
• Facility hours are adjusted to allow for overnight deep cleaning
• Staff is receiving ongoing training on cleaning protocols.
• Easy, readily available equipment disinfectant spray is available for use.
• Hand-sanitizing stations for you to use are conveniently located throughout the Y. 

All YMCA locations have been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.

New Facility Hours

• Monday through Friday:  6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Saturday:  8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Sunday:  Closed

Aquatics and Fitness Wristband Policy

• Wristbands will be available for Youth Fitness/Swim Tests at the front desk only in a no-contact transfer.

Business and Program Transactions

• All membership and program business transactions should be conducted online or by phone.

Facility Capacity Limits

• Expect reduced capacity, and remember to observe recommendations to stay physically distanced from others.
• Building occupancy will be limited to a location-specific capacity and will be first-come, first serve.

Facility Time Limits

• Member access is limited to 60 minutes (1 hour).

Social Distancing Practices to Physical Distance

• One-way indoor traffic patterns are implemented where possible.
• Spacing markers are on floors and seating to keep everyone 6 feet apart.
• Increased spacing between equipment and within workout areas allows for appropriate social distancing.

Expect to Arrive 15 Minutes Before Classes/Pool Usage for Health Screen and Check In

• Access to the facility will be via self check-in with no on-site transactions.
• Health screening will be required for all people entering facility. Those entering must pass screening and assent to abide by physical distancing protocols. Screening protocols to include the following questions:
  • Have you or anyone in your house traveled to another country in the last 14 days?
  • Within the last 14 days, has someone in your household tested positive for COVID-19?
  • Are you currently experiencing any symptoms of illness?
  • Do you have any concerns with abiding by our new guidelines which include practicing physical distancing, increased cleaning and monitoring your health while at the Y?

We are striving to provide the safest experience to our members. Because of this we highly recommend wearing masks in our YMCA’s.

The city of Rochester has mandated that masks be worn inside all public buildings which includes the YMCA. Please bring and wear a mask in all areas of the building except when engaging in rigorous exercise.

The city of Minneapolis has mandated that masks be worn inside all public buildings which includes the YMCA. Please bring and wear a mask in all areas of the building except when engaging in rigorous exercise.

The Y does not provide masks for members.

Yes, member visit times are limited to 60 minutes (1 hour) per day.

• Lobby
• Restrooms
• Locker Rooms
• Wellness/Fitness Center
• Studios
• Pools
• Walking Track (if applicable)
• Racquetball/Handball Court (if applicable)
• Outdoor Trails
• Roof Top Studio/Deck (if applicable)

To ensure safety, a number of areas will be temporarily closed, including:

• Lobby and community seating areas. Some of our seating will be removed and other seating will be physically spaced.
• Coffee stations
• Hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms
• Playgrounds will be available for Y programs only
• Aquatic play features/waterslide
• Indoor play scape/ zone will be available for Y programs only
• Youth rooms 
• Skate parks
• Climbing walls  
• Healthy Living Kitchen (if applicable)
• Massage/acupuncture (if applicable)

• YMCA360 and other virtual Y At Home programs
• Limited Group Exercise classes
• Limited ForeverWell Programs
• Early Childhood and on-site School Age Child Care Programs (requires pre-registration)
• Food Distribution Program
• Summer Programs

• While we understand that connecting with others is an integral part of the Y experience, we also have to balance that with our need to be safe. 
• We have removed community seating areas and are asking members to limit their workout time to one hour to allow other members to access the facility. 
• Members are more than welcome to continue visiting outside of the Y at a safe distance.

No, building occupancy will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

Youth can be unaccompanied at the Y when they are 10 years old.

• Please bring a mask, workout towel, water bottle and yoga mat, if needed. 
• We ask that you wear a mask whenever possible, especially in common areas where other members are present.

Please visit www.ymcamn.org/contact_us

• Financial assistance is available to help cover the cost of membership
• For more information: https://www.ymcamn.org/membership/financial_assistance

We are aware that not all members will be comfortable with returning to the Y right away. We will continue offering online resources through YMCA360 and Y At Home.

Y Members permitted only, no guests

Initial class offerings will be limited, but may include:

• Pickleball – singles and doubles
• ForeverWell Balance 
• ForeverWell Cardio
• ForeverWell Combo
• ForeverWell Group Cycle 
• ForeverWell Stretch 
• ForeverWell Strength
• ForeverWell Water X
• ForeverWell Yoga
• Gentle Yoga
• Silver Sneakers® Yoga Chair 
• Yoga
• Wellness Check Calls
• Virtual Group Exercise and virtual social classes will continue. For an updated schedule, please visit ymcamn.org or class list on YMCA App. 

• Equipment will be spaced, marked or alternated to meet physical distancing requirements. 
• Enhanced cleaning protocols are occurring. 
• Cleaning stations of disinfectant spray and wipes will be available to encourage cleaning of equipment before and after use. 

Yes, cardio equipment will be available and can be used for up to 45 minutes.

Yes, members can use strength training equipment for up to 60 minutes (1 hour).

Youth orientations are not offered at this time.

Fitness center staff will circulate and sanitize machines and equipment after member use. We are also asking members to clean their own equipment before and after each use. 

Decisions for the reintroduction for personal training, group training and pilates will be made later this summer.

Yes and physical distancing requirements are still expected.

Please check our Y app or website for a list of current available classes.

• Capacity will be limited due to physical distance requirements. 
• A minimum of six feet physical distance will be required during class.  
• Members should bring their own mats, towels and water bottles.
• Masks are recommended before and after class.  
• Class length is no more than 60 minutes (1 hour).
• Sanitizing wipes will be located at the entrance/exit of each studio for Member use. 
• Studios and equipment will be thoroughly cleaned after each class. 

• While we understand that connecting with others is an integral part of the Y experience, we also have to balance that with our need to be safe. 
• We have removed community seating areas and are asking members to limit their workout time to 60 minutes (1 hour) to allow other members to access the facility. 
• Members are more than welcome to continue visiting outside the Y at a safe distance.

No, equipment will not be shared between participants. 

No, all cycle, studio and yoga classes are first come, first serve. 

Due to limited class size, you will only be able to select your own spot.

Our gyms will be open with limited capacity for programs and open gym, with a limit of 2 people per basketball hoop.

No, not at this time. 

Yes, the courts will be available only for groups of 1 or 2 people. Traditional doubles games will not be permitted.

Pickleball will be available for single and double play.

• Youth are free to access our pools, group exercise classes and fitness centers. Programs such as swim lessons, swim team, youth sports, youth enrichment/development, birthday parties and Parent’s Night Out are not available at this time. These programs will be added back consistent with governmental orders and guidelines.  
• Summer Child Care, Day Camp and Summer Sports are open! Please see our website for the most up-to-date information on Youth Programs at www.ymcamn.org/summer_updates. 

Our indoor and outdoor playgrounds are temporarily closed at this time. 

Beginning July 20, Kids Stuff will open with the following hours and guidelines:

Hours:

• Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
• Friday-Saturday: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Sunday: Closed

Ages:

• 6 weeks to 10 years

Guidelines:

• Limited capacity will be practiced to insure safe physical distancing to abide by state and local group size guidelines.
• Reservations are required and are available on a first-come, first-served basis; capacity is limited.
• Kids Stuff is available to YMCA members only who are participating in on-site YMCA programs; no guests allowed at this time.
• There is a one hour/day/child time limit.
• Items from home are not permitted.
• Check-In/Check-Out
  • Ages 6 weeks – 3 years: will take place in Kids Stuff room. Parents are asked to use hand sanitizer and wear a mask before entering. Children will be asked to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer immediately upon entering.
  • Ages 4 – 10 years: will take place at front desk. Parent are encouraged to bring their children to the restroom prior to check-in. Children will be asked to use hand sanitizer upon entering and before and after play.
• Toys will be sanitized every hour on a rotational schedule. 
• Outdoor/playground time will be available for children ages 4 – 10 years. Indoor play structures will also be available, where present.

No, these areas will be closed temporarily at this time. 

Yes, the following protocols will be put in place:

• There will be reduced locker availability to ensure 6 feet of distance between lockers.
• Toilet area will be open for use.
• Sinks will be open for use.
• Showers will be open for use.
• Hair dryers will be unavailable.

Towel service for large or sweat towels will not be available.

• If you’re feeling sick, please stay home.
• Wipe Down Equipment
  • Use the cleaning materials provided. Wipe equipment before and after your workout.
• Keep Your Distance
  • Respect all signs regarding social distancing to physical distance. Stay at least 6 feet away from others wherever possible.
• Expect Reduced Capacity
  • At times of full capacity, you will be asked to wait in a designated area until space is available.
• Wear Your Mask
  • While not required, the Y requests that members wear their masks whenever possible, especially in common areas.