Lincoln’s MacColl YMCA first branch in state to reopen
LINCOLN — The MacColl YMCA in Lincoln was the first YMCA branch in Rhode Island to officially reopen Monday.
Since its closure in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the MacColl Y staff has been cleaning and renovating to accommodate the new state guidelines during Phase II of Rhode Island’s reopening plan, which officially began Monday.
“We were so happy to welcome back our members, who were very patient with the new screening and safety protocols,” said Jeanine Achin, COO of the YMCA of Pawtucket.
“Exercise and fitness are critically important to overall health, not only physical but also emotional,” she said. “Regular exercise has been shown to boost immunity and to reduce the symptoms of depression. Our returning members were extremely appreciative of the opportunity to socially connect while maintaining physical distance.”
Achin said the Y’s number one priority for reopening was to do it slowly and safely. For example, welcome centers and outdoor group exercise were the first to open, with pool lap time being made available over the next two weeks.
In addition, all branches have enhanced safety and cleaning protocols and will feature ample signage to ensure proper social distancing. Additionally, members will have to pass a health screen before entering the building and wear a mask at all times.
The Board of Directors of the YMCA of Pawtucket had closed all five of its branches across the state due to the pandemic, including Pawtucket Family YMCA and Heritage Park YMCA Early Learning
Center in Pawtucket; MacColl YMCA in Lincoln; Westwood YMCA in Coventry; and Woonsocket YMCA.
During the shutdown, YMCA staff provided as many virtual services as possible, including online classes via YMCA 360 (www. ymca360.org), which offers online exercise, fitness, wellbeing, and youth sports classes. YMCA instructors were also offering live-streamed classes on YouTube and partnering with MOSSA, formerly known as Body Training Systems, on choreographed classes.
In Pawtucket, the Pawtucket Family YMCA reached out to senior citizens to coordinate outdoor walks of no more than four or five people.
“Our focus was to keep everyone moving and to stay positive during this difficult time,” said Kristin Quinn, executive director at Woonsocket YMCA. “We didn’t want people to feel isolated. We wanted them to feel connected and engaged. That has always been our mission.”