WORK IT OUT
Area recreation complex ready to tackle pandemic stress
PLYMOUTH » Timing, as they say, is everything.
Take the temporal havoc that coincided with Greater Plymouth Community Center’s 20th anniversary bash last spring.
Sadly, GPCC’s party plans dovetailed with the arrival of an uninvited stranger called COVID-19. Not surprisingly, the celebration was canceled, and GPCC locked its doors for the then-foreseeable future.
Five months later, the popular recreation-fitness complex is open with a limited range of hybrid programs.
There aren’t plans to blow out birthday candles anytime soon, and face masks — not party hats — are de rigueur for all visitors. But GPCC has modified a number of offerings to comply with or exceed Pennsylvania Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention protocols for such reopenings.
“Our exercise equipment is now in two rooms…and the air exchange in our HVAC system was also changed to allow more outside air into the area for ventilation,” Assistant Director Phil Brady says. “We have sanitizing wipes, hand sanitizers and hand wash stations throughout the center, and the staff is doing extra daily cleaning.”
GPCC’s inside fitness area was revamped for social-distancing, heavily sanitized and reopened on July 7. Since then, a number of open-air options have debuted — among them, Wednesday night’s “Bike and Body Weight Burn” classes and Tuesday and Thursday nights’ “Outdoor Boot Camp.” New this week…four socially-distanced workout stations on GPCC’s back patio for outdoor strength training and toning exercises.
“Masks are optional since it’s outside, and the stations are over 6 feet apart,” Brady says. “The stations will be set up Mondays through Wednesdays from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., provided it’s not raining … (or) the lawn is being mowed. Each station will be equipped with a mat and stepper with risers that (can be used) as a bench or stepper.”
Dumbbells, stability, bosu, medicine and slam balls, Lebert Bars, a battle rope, agility ladder and spin bikes will also be available on the patio.
“To access this area and use the equipment, all you need to do is have an active pass, check in at the front desk each time you want to use it, walk through the atrium and out the back doors to the patio,” Brady explains.
The GPCC spokesman says Plymouth’s June 22Aug. 28 summer youth camp and one-week special interest camps have been doing “well, meeting or going beyond all Pennsylvania Department of Health protocols,” and staffers are looking forward to the introductory kids’ “Sports Experience” started Aug. 8 and continues Saturdays through Aug. 29.
The classes are designed for 4- to 6-year-olds and will take place on GPCC’s front lawn. Enrollment for the four sessions is $29 for residents; $36 for nonresidents.
According to Brady, the township is still evaluating formatting alternatives for its traditional “After School Rendezvous” childcare offering. Interested parents and guardians may request updates by emailing bgriffis@plymouth township.org.
Continuing inside, all tweaked to comply with COVID-19 mandates: a variety of senior aerobic classes; quarter-court basketball rentals; oneon-one personal training; indoor walking; park pavilion rentals; youth and adult lap swimming; water walking and swim lessons, with accommodations possible for parents or guardians who are “uncomfortable” with their children sharing pool space with an instructor.
“The lesson can be conducted from the pool deck, and a parent may accompany the child into the water,” Brady explains.
Although GPCC’s locker rooms are currently closed, “Wallet/Cell Phone Lockers” are available for small items.
“None of this is ideal, we understand that, but we’re doing everything we can to adapt so that people are safe – and, just as important, that they feel safe – when they use (GPCC),” Brady says. “We’re fortunate that the township has so much available outside space, and as the weather gets cooler, we’ll be able to offer even more outdoor options. We’re always thinking about ways to improve what we’re able to offer, and if people have ideas of their own, we’re happy to hear from them.”
GPCC is at 2910 Jolly Road, Plymouth Meeting.
The center is open Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.