BUSINESS AS USUAL AT THE YMCA

Business as usual

By Rose Drebes

With the exception of capacity, the YMCA of OKC’s programming is available pretty much as usual.

“Since reopening on May 4, we’ve seen a steady growth in usage of our facilities and attendance in our programs,” Rachel Klein, the organization’s vice president of communications, said. “We integrated facility space and programs in phases so that we could monitor the safety of each.”

As the pandemic started to affect the Oklahoma City area, Klein said the YMCA adjusted its cleaning and disinfecting protocols. After branches were temporarily closed, the organization stepped up its virtual presence.

“When we were mandated to close our doors on March 17, we started offering ‘at-home’ activities that included virtual workouts led

at the YMCA by instructors, both for adults and Fortunately, Klein said, the kids; family activities and at-home YMCA has been able to adjust its workouts to do on your own,” she programs so they are still available said. this summer.

These days, it is pretty much “While each program looks a business as usual at the YMCA, little different than in months or except in littler settings, Klein said. years past, they are still providing Summer Day campers are limited a space for kids and adults to be to smaller groups or neighborhoods active, have fun and be involved in to ensure safety and summer a community,” she said. sports have been modified to help Klein said she believes things will prevent any spread of the virus. continue to be on the upswing at

Group exercise classes are limthe YMCA. ited and every other piece of “As each week passes, we’ve equipment in the fitness centers is been able to maintain a healthy unavailable to allow for six feet of and safe environment which prodistance between participants. vides our members peace of mind

“We continue to monitor the that the Y is a safe place to be,” situation in our community and the she said. “We anticipate participasurrounding communities and will tion and usage of our facilities to modify our programs and availabilcontinue to increase in the coming ity as needed to ensure the health weeks.” and safety of participants,” she For more information, visit www. said. ymcaokc.org.