JCC Reopening FAQs Revised 3/31/21

The Shaw Jewish Community Center began a limited and measured reopening on Monday, June 1, 2020. We have implemented a significant number of new procedures and protocols to help safeguard our members, children, families, and staff. Please familiarize yourself with them on our FAQ page before returning to the facility.

If you have a question about these rules and procedures that is not covered in our FAQ, please contact us to let us know. We will do our best to respond within 2 business days.

Q: What do I need to know before coming to campus?

• We are only accepting transactions performed with a credit or debit card in order to limit person-to-person contact.
• Every person entering The JCC will have their temperature taken with an instant digital thermometer. Entrance will be refused to anyone with a fever of 100 F or higher. You must be fever-free for 72 hours before you can return.
• You will be required to wear a face mask in the building, except while on Fitness Equipment, while actively exercising in a class, swimming in the indoor pool or showering. Masks will be available for purchase at the desk if you forget to bring one.
  • Mask Policy 1-3PM Weekdays: Masks are required on the fitness floor, as well as throughout the facility, on weekdays from 1-3 PM. This excludes while swimming in the pool.
  • The mask policy for Group Exercise will continue to be at the discretion of each Group Exercise Instructor. Please check the “My J” app for updates on each Group Ex class. Thank you for respecting the concerns of our staff.
• You will scan your membership card upon entry. You will have no physical contact with the Fitness Desk staff.
• Reservations will be necessary for the fitness center and lap swimming at the indoor pool. Please reserve your spot for Group Ex classes and specified equpiment in the "My J" app.
• We need to enforce physical distancing. For everyone’s protection, JCC staff will ask congregating members to maintain a 6 foot distance.
• There are new and unidirectional foot traffic patterns. Please be on the lookout for new signage highlighting directional traffic. 
• Members need to bring their own water bottles and mat. 
• There will be no guests or guest passes available at the JCC. Only members will be allowed to access the facility and attend programs on campus.

Q: What are your current hours of operation?

Fitness Center:

Monday–Thursday:  5:30 am to 8:00 pm
Friday:  5:30 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday-Sunday: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

Indoor Pool:

Monday–Thursday:  6 am to 7:30 pm
Friday:  6 am to 4:30 pm
Saturday-Sunday: 8:00 am to 3:30 pm

Facility Operations

Q: How are you protecting your members and staff? How have you prepared for social distancing?

A: We have prepared the fitness floor for social distancing by spacing out equipment by using additional space adjacent to the fitness center, by limiting capacity in the facility, and by requiring reservations for the free weights and circuit equipment and lap swimming in the indoor pool.

Our staff has received training on how to implement safety guidelines that the CDC, State and City officials have put into place. This includes deep cleaning after the facilities are closed, making sure equipment is sanitized after each use, and stocking an ample amount of EPA-approved disinfectant and sanitizer for use on high-touch areas throughout our facilities.

Everyone including staff are required to answer a brief series of health screening questions and will have their temperature taken. Those who have a temperature of 100 and higher will not be allowed access to the facility.

Reservations for cardio equipment on the fitness floor will no longer be required.

Q: Are you limiting the number of people who can enter the building?
A: Yes. Staff will be monitoring capacity and members will be allowed entry based on reservation, which will keep our capacity under the maximum.  

Q: Are you currently honoring reciprocity with other JCCs? 
A:  We are not currently honoring any reciprocities.

Q: Will childcare be available for fitness?
A: Childcare is currently unavailable.

Q: Will I be able to participate in group exercise classes?
A: Group Exercise classes have resumed and have limited capacities to allow for a social distance of six feet. Please check our website a current Group Ex schedule.

Check our mobile app, My J, so that you may reserve spots. This can be downloaded free from the App store.

The mask policy for Group Exercise will continue to be at the discretion of each Group Exercise Instructor. Please check the “My J” app for updates on each Group Ex class. Thank you for respecting the concerns of our staff.

Q: Will there be massages and acupunture available?
A: Massage and Acupunture are currently available. Both the client and the practitioner will be required to wear a facemask. There are no walk-in appointments and there is no waiting area inside. Clients will text the practitioner or call the Fitness desk from their cars, then come in at the appointed time. Appointments will be made via the Fitness Desk.

Q: What amenities will be available for Seniors?

A: Julie LeFever is developing creative programs for Seniors that will take advantage of different aspects of the campus including the plethora of greenspace outdoors. Programs include Soup for the Soul on Tuesdays and Fridays. The Retired Men’s Group will now be meeting the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at 9:30 am via ZOOM. 

Q: When will Silver Sneakers Classes Resume?

A: Silver Sneakers classes have resumed. Please see our current Group Ex schedule online or pick one up at The J.

Q: Can I access the gymnasium/basketball courts?
A: The gymnasium is available by reservation with the limit of one person or family per hoop. Make reservations in the "My J" app. See hours here.

Q: What is the status of Pickle Ball and Tennis?
A: Please check the Courts page for updates on Pickeball (Inside/Outside) and Tennis.

Q: Will the pool be available?
A: The pool is currently available for lap swim only on weekdays (not including Aqua classes), with open swim available on weekend.  We will require reservations and encourage members to limit their lap usage to 45 minutes.  This will help control capacity and allow greater member access. Reserve swim lanes on the "My J" app.

We will still accomdate Social Distance Swimming (every other lane) from 12-1:30PM every weekday.

Q: Is personal training available?
A: Yes. One-on-one personal training is available, but face masks will be required for the Personal Trainer. Masks recommended but optional for the client depending on level of exertion. Social distancing guidelines adhered to unless necessary and agreed to by client and trainer. You can also train online with our fantastic personal trainers. Check the fitness desk or our website for Virtual Personal Training packages.

Q: When will I be able to use the steam/sauna room/whirlpool?
A: Our whirlpool has re-opened. Our steam and sauna rooms are currently closed due to State guidelines. We will continue to monitor the guidelines and provide updates.

Q: Will my child be able to join swim team?
A: Swim team began on February 1st, with limited capacities. More information can be found here. 

Q: Are your facilities available for birthday parties?
A: We are currently not accepting reservations for any rentals or birthday parties. We will resume registration for these activities when social distancing recommendations relax.

Q: Are locker rooms, showers and towel service going to be available?
A: Locker rooms and showers are open every day with required social distancing. Every third locker will be available for use. Towel service is still not available - please bring your own towel. Note: Only one side of the men’s locker room showers will be available.