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RHODE ISLAND Y’S REOPEN

June 4, 2020by GPYMCA
YMCA OF GREATER PROVIDENCE Y’S TO REOPEN AFTER 77-DAY CLOSURE DUE TO COVID-19  
PHASED REOPENING TO BEGIN JUNE 4.

[PROVIDENCE, RI, Monday, June 2] — After closing its facilities due to the Governor’s the stay-at-home order surrounding the spread of COVID-19, the YMCA of Greater Providence Y’s will reopen all Rhode Island locations in phases beginning June 4. The Newman YMCA in Seekonk, Massachusetts plans to reopen early July.

“The YMCA of Greater Providence has served the community for more than 165 years, during which we have made it through many challenging times together, none perhaps as impactful for our community and our Y as this COVID crisis,” said Steven G. O’Donnell, CEO, YMCA of Greater Providence. “We are thrilled to begin reopening our facilities, welcoming back our members and the community, and getting back to what we do best – helping everyone reach their full potential,” O’Donnell said.

Y locations in Barrington, Kent County, and South County will reopen Thursday, June 4 with the East Side/Mt. Hope and Cranston facilities reopening shortly thereafter on June 8. The Newman YMCA in Seekonk, Massachusetts will reopen early July. Summer Camp for all Rhode Island locations will begin June 29. The Newman YMCA is currently awaiting further guidance from Massachusetts officials regarding summer camp details.

In preparation for reopening facilities, The YMCA of Greater Providence has been following guidelines from health experts and local officials to ensure all components of facilities, including fitness equipment and areas, locker rooms, visitor areas and office spaces, are cleaned and sanitized to meet the highest standards for hygiene and safety. The Y has also modified policies and programs to facilitate safe social distancing practices.

In addition to sanitation and social distance guidelines, the Y will also limit the number of members allowed in its facilities. Members will be required to schedule an appointment 24 hours in advance at www.bookaspot.org. Workouts will also be limited to a standard set of time blocks. New facility hours will be Monday through Friday 6:00am to 6:00pm and Saturday and Sundays 7:00am to 3:00pm.

“When we closed our facilities in March, we did so to protect the health and well-being of all our staff, volunteers, members and participants. As we now reopen our facilities, we do so with that same commitment to keeping everyone who enters our doors safe,” said O’Donnell.

“Our Y has always been more than a building. Our Y is about people – people from all backgrounds and walks of life who come together to improve their lives, nurture their families and strengthen their community,” said O’Donnell. “We are so incredibly grateful to the people who have stood by us throughout these challenging times. You were here for your community when it needed it most, and we remain here for you.”

For more information about reopening, membership renewal and reactivation and program registration, visit www.gpymca.org or follow your local Y’s Facebook page.

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About the Y

Driven by its founding mission, the Y has served as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community for more than 175 years. The Y empowers everyone, no matter who they are or where they’re from, by ensuring access to resources, relationship and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives and generations, the Y’s goal is to improve overall health and well-being, ignite youth empowerment and demonstrate the importance of connections in and across 10,000 communities nationwide. Learn more at ymca.net.

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