Those looking to lose some of those extra pandemic pounds have another option starting next month.
After investing more than $300,000 in facility improvements over the past year, the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka announced Wednesday it plans to welcome back members April 30 to the Midland Health, Fitness and Aquatics Centre.
“We are hopeful that the community will be as excited to return to our facility as we will be to welcome them back,” Midland YMCA general manager Naomi Murray told MidlandToday.
"When we closed our facility last March, we had over 3,200 members; as we approach April 30, we will have a better understanding of how many members we will have upon reopening."
YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka CEO Jill Tettmann said the organization had some pressing capital concerns that needed to be addressed before they could reopen the doors.
“I am thrilled to share that this work is now complete,” Tettmann said in a release.
Since closing in early 2020, the Midland Y has completed a number of facility improvements, including pool repairs, roof replacement and ventilation improvements.
Last December, the 'Midland Y Stronger Together Campaign' was launched to raise funds to support the facility's reopening efforts.
"Our community has stepped up big time - we are incredibly thankful for the support of our donors and we are beyond thrilled to welcome you back into our facility," Murray said. "We are committed to opening our doors on April 30th and hope that the community will continue to support our efforts as a charity during this challenging time, and for years to come.
"The success of the campaign, in combination with facility grants and COVID relief supports from the Federal Government, has put us in a position to reopen the facility. We will continue to fund raise throughout the year in support of our efforts to create a space for members of the community to work out in a safe setting."
The Y has successfully reopened its Health, Fitness and Aquatics Centres in Collingwood, Innisfil and Wasaga Beach and reopened its Gravenhurst facility earlier today.
Current Midland YMCA members will be emailed about their memberships, payment dates, and the steps the Y will be taking to ensure the safety of all participants returning to the Y.
Murray said that due to COVID-19, members will be asked to book their visit online ahead of time.
"We will follow all guidelines and recommendations as set by public health," Murray said, noting the current maximum permitted for group fitness classes remains at 10 under current public health guidelines.
