Reopening

Stay tuned to our website to get the most up-to-date information as it comes out!

YMCA Updates and Newsletters

Did you know we have a mobile app?!

Phase 3 – Began September 14

We have opened additional programming and areas of Y facility in phase 3. We are currently only open to Northfield YMCA Members at this time for general facility use. To keep our members safe and protected while they use our facilities, we are continuing to follow strict guidelines from the CDC, MDH and local and state authorities.  Safety of members, participants and staff is our highest priority.  If changes or adjustments are needed to better protect our community, we will do so.  Please check website regularly for updates.

Phase 3, Part 2 – October 19

• Hours of operation are Monday-Friday: 5am-1pm, 4pm-8pm / Saturday and Sunday: 8am-2pm
• Entrance is moved to the front of the building (original entrance/exit). Continued traffic flow pathways are in place.
• Health Screening will no longer be staffed; Temperature Checks will be done by a touch-free temperature reading machine. Health screening questions will be posted and self-reporting.
• Family Locker Rooms will be open for general membership use (not just pool patrons) Mon-Fri, 5a.m.-1p.m. and Sundays 8:00a.m.-2:00p.m. and lockers in the hallway adjacent to the gym are open use during facility hours.
  • Members are encouraged to bring their own locks.
  • Lockers are not available for rent at this time (no overnight use). If items are left in lockers, they will be kept in Lost and Found for 24 hours.
• Members only at this time for general facility usage. New Members are welcome! Program opportunities for non-YMCA members. No guest passes or Nationwide memberships at this time.
• Phase 1 of Child Watch began on October 1!
  • Prior registration required. No drop-ins available at this time.
    • Call or go online to register!
  • Registration slots are for 75 minutes (1 registration per child/day)
  • Registration for each day opens 3 days prior and closes at 6pm the night before.
  • Open to ages 2-9 and will be held in the Child Watch room.
  • Health and safety guidelines consistent with our facility protocols will be followed.
  • Child Watch FAQs
• Age Policy: Youth ages 13+ will be allowed to use the facility with adult/guardian. No adult necessary to accompany youth ages 15+. Orientation required for Wellness Center usage for 13-14 year olds. Schedule ahead at the Member Services Desk, call in, or walk-in! Wellness Floor and Gym need a guardian with them in those areas. Guardians need to be within the facility for pool use or group exercise participation.
• Group Swimming Lessons have begun. More information here.
• How to register for Group Exercise, Water Exercise, or Lap/Aerobic Swim.
• Lap swimming reservations will extend to weeknights and Sundays. Registration process will remain the same.
  • Printable Reservation Schedule
• Additional Water Exercise and Group Exercise classes will be added to the schedule. Registration process will remain the same. Group Exercise FAQs
• Phase 3 Pool FAQ
• Family Open Gym reservations will be available – reserve 1/4 of the gym for single household open gym here. Open Gym FAQs.
• Continuing to offer: walking track, wellness floor, personal training.
• Coming Soon: Adult and Youth programming for multiple ages will continue to be added. Keep an eye on our Brochures page for upcoming programs!

Mandatory Actions Upon Entering the YMCA:

• All staff, members and participants will have their temperature checked and will answer health screening questions before entering the building.
  • Temperature taken with a no-contact thermometer machine
  • Are you experiencing any of the following symptoms (chills, new cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, muscle aches, headache, loss of smell or taste)
  • Is anyone in your household experiencing any of the above symptoms?
  • In the past 14 days, to the best of your knowledge, have you or anyone in your household come in contact (within 6′ for 15 minutes or more) with anyone experiencing any of the above symptoms or having a confirmed case of COVID-19?
    • If  yes, are you a healthcare worker equipped with the CDC recommended PPE at the time of exposure?
• Members will be required to wear a mask (Governor Walz Executive Order 20-81) while inside the building.  Once you start working out, the mask may be removed if physical distancing occurs during your workout. 
• Members are asked to wash or sanitize their hands before and after working out. Sanitizing stations are located at the entrance and throughout the building.

Policy Changes

• Temporary Age Policy: Phase 3 allows only youth ages 13+ into the facility with a guardian. Wellness Floor and Gym need a guardian with them in those areas. Guardians need to be within the facility for pool use or group exercise participation. There will be programming for younger youth coming in the near future!
• Members must maintain a minimum of 6 feet distance, family units are allowed to stand together.
• No guests or Nationwide memberships are permitted at this time (Northfield Area Family YMCA members only). New members are welcome!
• Members must disinfect equipment before and after use (staff will continue to clean).
• No on-site transactions will take place. Members are encouraged to continue to conduct business and communications by phone and/or email. Many forms have been made available online.

What To Expect When Coming To The Y:

• All staff will be wearing personal protective equipment.
• Increased signage throughout the building to encourage physical distancing, hand washing, and to remind members to disinfect equipment.
• Water fountains are “bottle-fill only”.
• Time will be limited to 60 minutes in the facility.
• No Towel Service.
• Only select and marked machines are to be used (to ensure proper physical distancing)
• You are welcome to bring your own equipment for Group Exercise classes or your own workout.

Limited Capacity Information:

• Each space within the YMCA has a capacity set to honor physical distancing requirements.
  • 24 people on the Wellness Floor (divided between the walking track, cardio area, and free weight area).
  • 15 participants per group exercise class (6 for classes in the studio).
    • Register for classes here. (Members only at this time)
    • How to register for Group Exercise classes
    • Unlimited capacity in our ongoing Virtual Classes!
  • 1 swimmer per lane, up to 2 non-lap swimmers.