COLORADO SPRINGS — It is open while also shut at Pike Peak Region YMCA locations. "We are shutdown obviously through the Governors executive order," said Pikes Peak YMCA, CEO & President, Boyd Williams. Front doors are locked at Y facilities. "But we're open for business as far as serving the community," said Williams.
It means thinking outside the building. “[We’re] not just treadmills and swimming pools.” Williams says the Y is adapting to serve the community during the coronavirus crisis. The Y’s mission is health and well being through spirit, mind and body.
One current priority is supporting workers with jobs considered essential during the COVID-19 response. "Priority going to medical personnel, fire, police, first responders," said Williams. Childcare centers at the Garden Ranch and Tri Lakes YMCA locations are functioning to offer help. If demand increases other locations will be added.
Y staff members are checking on senior citizens members. Empty parking lots are resource for food drive drop-off locations. Plans are in the work to coordinate volunteers willing to help kids on-line if schools remain closed.
The well-known fitness element of the Y is not ignored. "We have a few platforms on our website for free. Can at home. Can take a yoga class, they can take other classes,” said Williams, “We want to ensure people are taking care of themselves during this time."
