By Brandon HENSLEY

Just as the YMCA of the Foothills in La Cañada opened its doors for people to exercise outside, record heat penetrated the Southland. Seems like a cruel trick, but it wouldn’t be 2020 without a catch, right?

Nonetheless, the YMCA in La Cañada Flintridge reopened its doors Aug. 12 with safety measures designed to keep members safe while they work on their health. The new procedures include moving the exercise equipment outside, with over 2,000 square feet of outdoor sunshade canopies with 95% UV blocking, according to CEO of the foothills Y Vince Iucalano.

“By creating this physically distanced outdoor fitness option for our members, we have the ability to stay ‘open’ even when the state/county vacillate between opening certain sectors of the economy while keeping others (like non-profits and gyms) closed for the time being,” Iuculano said in an email this week.

He said the Y began research on the outdoor idea in June 2019, long before the mandated shutdown that began in March of this year due to concerns over COVID-19.

Iuculano said the facility was looking to “innovate” and “reimagine” the use of the outdoor space to make it more accessible and programmable.

A week into reopening, and things have gone smoothly.

“From my interactions with people in our community it has been very positive. People are very curious on the concept and how we came to that decision,” Iuculano said.

He noted membership visits since Aug. 12 have increased by 39%.

“What we have done to promote a healthy environment while working out at the Y is to meet or exceed all CDC, State of California or County of LA Health Dept. orders/protocols for disinfecting and sanitation of all equipment, program areas and shared spaces,” he said.

Members undergo a health screening upon entry and must wear a mask while in the common outdoor spaces while not using heavy exertion in working out. Members also must spray a provided EPA-approved disinfectant and wipe down every piece of equipment they use.

Now that school has started up again, Iuculano said the Y is working with Glendale Unified School District on how to “best fill in gaps on school day care.” He said the Crescenta Valley YMCA location has launched an essential school care camp aimed at students transitional kindergarten to eighth grade.

“We have repurposed the CVY to create distance learning pods for students who don’t have a ‘stay at home’ learning option. So far, we have 30 students signed up for this program and it is best described as distance learning during the normal school day and summer camp activities after school from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.,” Iuculano said.

  Brandon Hensley