(Updated: July 15th, 2020)
Per Governor Bullock’s order, Face masks are to be worn at all times in any of our facilities. Masks can be removed while physically working out or swimming but must be worn when moving from machine-to-machine, in locker rooms, and in common areas throughout our facilities.
What will the hours be?
Monday-Friday, 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Saturday, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Sunday, closed through the summer
What will be open at first?
- The cardio equipment upstairs and the weight room downstairs
- Fitness classes will be offered at our site starting June 8, 2020
- Showers are available
What will be closed?
- Pool – We are making progress, but it is still not ready for water
- Drop-in daycare will be closed
- Gymnasium – will only be closed with the exception of fitness classes, and as an exit out of the facility
- All water fountains (please bring your own water)
Will you be checking temperatures before entering the Y?
- Our staff are required to have their temperature taken upon entry to the YMCA.
- We will not be checking members temperatures. However, if you are not feeling well, please stay home.
Are there capacity limits in place?
Yes. Following guidelines from the Governor, we will have reduced capacity. At times of full capacity, you will be asked to wait in a designated area until space is available.
How will physical distancing be enforced?
Signs will be posted throughout the center regarding physical distancing. Stay at least six feet away from others when possible. You will note machines are disabled next to other machines. Staff will be counting members in one area and will ask groups to separate if necessary.
What is your cleaning protocol?
Members are asked to use the supplied disinfectant before and after they use the exercise equipment. Designated Staff will be cleaning machines after each use and high touch surface areas every 30 minutes.
In addition, we have hired a new cleaning company that will be required to deep clean our facility after closing each day.
How do I know it is safe to come back?
We are doing everything possible to keep our YMCA safe and clean, but only you can make that decision. We are cleaning high contact surfaces every 30 minutes, asking members to wipe down equipment before and after each use, staff are required to wear face masks, and hand sanitizer stations are available throughout the building.
What can I bring into the YMCA?
We ask that you bring a workout towel, and a filled bottle of water. All our water fountains are disabled per Lewis and Clark County regulations. We will not be able to store belongings at the Membership Ambassador desk and our lockers will be at a reduced capacity as well.
I put my membership on hold, how do I reactivate it?
There are a few ways you can request to reactivate your membership.
- You can email your name and contact information to [email protected]. Please note that you want your membership reactivated.
- You can call us at 406-442-9622, M-F from 7 a.m. -7 p.m. and request staff reactivate your membership.
- You can let our Membership Ambassador at the front desk know that you wish to reactivate your membership.
I have credits owed to me from the facility being closed. Can they be applied to the next draft of my membership dues?
Inquire at the front desk and someone from our membership team will contact you to process your credits.
I continued paying my membership dues during the closure as a sustaining member, when will I get my tax deductible letter?
You should have received a thank you letter via email over the last week or two. You will receive a letter at the beginning of next year, 2021, with the total of your tax deductible donations throughout the year.
I don’t want to come back when the Y opens, what can I do with my membership?
Although we are sad that you are leaving, we completely understand. You may submit your request to cancel your membership by the 15th of the month, for your membership to be cancelled beginning the following month. Submit your request to the Membership Director, Tanya Eychner at [email protected].
If finances are your reason for cancelling your membership, please consider submitting a request for Financial Assistance via our application and we will do all we can to help you continue your health journey with us!
I want to come back but I can no longer afford my membership rate, what can I do?
Financial Assistance may be an option. You can download a copy of the Financial Assistance application and return it, with required documentation, to the Membership Director, Tanya Eychner at [email protected].
Will there be a time limit for using equipment?
Right now we do not have a time limit. However, if availability of machines and weight room equipment become a problem, we will put a reservation system in place and limit reservations to 60 minutes. We ask that all members are respectful and allow all to enjoy the facility.
When will youth activities start again (swim lessons, sports, etc.)?
We are very disappointed but due to our insurance policy, and the Y-USA guidelines, we will not be offering contact group sports until the fall. We will be ready to go with the full line up in fall. We know many club sports in Helena have started these sports, again we are very sorry, but we just can’t at this time.
However, we will be offering some fun clinics, skills and drills courses, and even a BrandX class, offered outside. We have some talented people developing these activities and expect to go live with these classes, June 22, 2020. We will put out more information later.
Can I resume with personal training that I had already purchased?
Yes. Personal training will resume, following updated guidelines for safety. If you have purchased personal training sessions, please contact the front desk and they will have a member from the wellness team contact you about your sessions.
Can I bring a guest with me?
No. During Phase 2, only active Helena Family YMCA members will be able to access the Y. Due to the Governor’s guidelines we are operating on reduced capacity.
Other Info:
Questions? Concerns? Please contact us! Reply to this e-mail or
e-mail [email protected], and a staff member will get back to you as soon as possible.