YMCA sites in York, Lancaster and Chester counties will close today. Here’s how long.
York, Lancaster and Chester counties YMCA facilities will close Friday evening and won’t reopen for a while.
In an online update Friday, Upper Palmetto YMCA announced sites in all three counties will close by 6 p.m. Friday. Tentative reopening comes April 1, though the notice states there could be a delay.
All YMCA programs were canceled last week to avoid large groups, with social distancing concern related to the COVID-19 coronavirus. Upper Palmetto got notice from its national organization on Thursday, the notice reads, to close on Friday.
“These are tough times for all of us and the Y greatly appreciates your support,” reads the notice, written by Upper Palmetto CEO Frank “Moe” Bell.
Bell pointed out in the notice the organization doesn’t get government support. Membership does make up 60% of its income. Upper Palmetto dates back to 1913 and its Main Branch in Rock Hill back to 1950. Upper Palmetto has more than a dozen sites in the three counties including gyms, aquatic centers and a camp. Upper Palmetto annually gives more than 3,000 swim lessons to area fourth-graders.
YMCA sites in Fort Mill, Clover and Chester also are sites for meal distribution for school children when school is out. Bell wrote in the notice his group has been in contact with state social services about possible childcare needs as social services staff works through the coronavirus crisis.
“We have reached out to local hospitals, city governments and school officials to offer our help during these difficult times,” Bell wrote.
As of Friday the payroll for Upper Palmetto includes 851 staff members, 50 of them full-time.
“We hope to keep many working – and we plan to assist other staff with unemployment claims or finding other sources of income,” Bell wrote.
Upper Palmetto will notify its membership, he wrote, with an update for when sites will reopen.
