PHIFER FAMILY YMCA TO OFFER 24/7 ACCESS

WORKOUT ON YOUR SCHEDULE – YOUR Y, ANYTIME

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JULY 5, 2023

(Morganton, N.C.) – The YMCA is now bringing 24/7 fitness access to the Morganton community.

“We started this for many reasons,” said Kara Cloninger, Executive Director for the Phifer Family YMCA. “We have a lot of members in our community who are on varying schedules, and we’re trying to be more accommodating for those with the varying schedules. We found 24-hour access would add a lot of value for those working second shift, third shift, in healthcare, or first responders. We wanted to give them access to the Y as well.”

This access is a new membership add-on that will allow members to access the fitness center after hours. To ensure safety, a state-of-the-art security system will monitor those who check in and out during non-staffed hours, and communication has been setup with emergency responders. The fitness center, group exercise room, and restrooms will be open, but the aquatic center, locker rooms, and racquetball courts will remain closed. Members 18 years and older can choose to participate by upgrading their membership for $5 per month for the new technology used to make this happen.

According to Cloninger, it is quite the undertaking to switch from being fully staffed to self- regulated, but the process for the Phifer Family YMCA was much easier since the YMCA of Catawba Valley has already implemented 24/7 access at another one of our branches. Our staff team has worked out the process of what specifically needs to be done for safety precautions. “Another reason for providing 24/7 access is to offer the widest range of hours available for people to come. It also spreads out the crowd so not as many people come during the same time. People can come and feel safe.”

To learn more about this and other YMCA programs, visit www.ymcacv.org.

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YMCA OF CATAWBA VALLEY
The YMCA of Catawba Valley was established in 1969 to strengthen our community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Y engages over 25,000 men, women and children each year – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the community’s health and well-being and to provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. The Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. The Y mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. www.ymcacv.org.