Shaw JCC of Akron

JCC Reopening FAQs Revised 7/28/2020

The Shaw Jewish Community Center will begin 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, and at the outdoor pool, except while swimming or seated. Masks will be available for purchase at the desk if you forget to bring one.
• 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. 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. Please do not bring large gym bags, they cannot be left on the floor.
• 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:  6:00 am to 7:00 pm
Friday:  6:00 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday-Sunday: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

Indoor Pool:

Monday–Thursday:  6:30 am to 6:30 pm
Friday:  6:30 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 fitness floor and the 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 100.4 and higher will not be allowed access to the facility.

Reservations for cardio equipment on the fitness floor will no longer be required, but time in the free weight and circuit area still needs a reservation.

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:  In Phase I of our reopening, we will not be honoring any reciprocities.

Q: Will childcare be available for fitness?
A: Childcare is currently unavailable.  We will resume in July, at which time reservations will be required to reserve spots.

Q: Will I be able to participate in group exercise classes?
A: Group Exercise classes will start on a limited basis in June and will be limited to allow for a social distance of six feet.  Group exercise schedules will change week-to-week depending on instructor availability.  Please check our website for the weekly updates.

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

Q: Will there be massages available?
A: Massages and Reiki will be available June 1.  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. Acupuncture will be available before the end of July with a practitioner with 40+ years of experience. Appointments will be made via the Fitness Desk.

Q: What amenities will be available for Seniors?

A: Although Seniors may attend at any time, there will be designated times of the day limited to Seniors only, both in the fitness center and the pool. Senior hours will continue from 2:00-4:00pm Monday through Thursday.

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 at the pool. (Special meeting on Tuesday, June 30 at 9:30am at the pool.) Bring your own lawn chair and wear a mask.

Q: When will Silver Sneakers Classes Resume?

A: Silver Sneakers classes will resume July 10th or earlier.

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. Hours are: 

Sun – 11:30am-3:45pm
M – 6am-9am; 11am-1:30pm; 2pm-6:45pm
T – *1/2 gym 6:15am-7am; 7am-10:15am; 2pm-6pm
W – 6am-9am; 11am-1:30pm; 2pm-6:45pm
Th – *1/2 gym 6:15-7am; 7am-10:15am; 2pm-6pm; *1/2 gym 6pm-6:45pm
F – 6am-9am; 11:30am-1:30pm; 2pm-4:45pm
Sat – *1/2 gym 8am-10am; full gym 10am-3:45pm

*Please note that during 1/2 gym hours, only courts 1-3 will be available to reserve.

Q: What is the status of Pickle Ball?
A: Pickle ball will be available on the outdoor tennis court Monday-Friday 8:30am - 11:00am and Saturday 8:30am - 10:30am (Only 2 courts available). Members must be screened and check-in at the Fitness Desk to check out pickle balls and the key for the court; members must supply their own paddle. ALL members must check-in at the desk, not just those picking up the key.

Q: What is the status of Tennis?
A: Tennis will be available on the outdoor courts Monday-Thursday 11:30am - 6:30pm, Friday 11:30am - 4:30pm, Saturday 8:30am - 3:30pm (Only 1 court available 8:30 A.M. – 10:30 A.M.), and Sunday 8:30am - 3:30pm. Members must be screened and check in at the Fitness Desk to check out the key for the court. ALL members must check-in at the desk, not just those picking up the key.

Q: Will the pool be available?
A: The pool is currently available for lap swim only (1 person per lane, every other lane). 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.

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 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 in July with a reduced schedule, and will be for members only. 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 will reopen on July 6th with required social distancing and limited hours – 6am-9am M-F. 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.

Q: Since the locker rooms are closed for most of the day, how do I retrieve items from my locker?
A: Please inform the fitness desk staff that you are interested in getting your belongings out of your locker and a staff member will assist you.

Q: Will the outdoor pool open this Summer?
A: Yes. The outdoor pool opened June 13^th. The Kiddie pool has remained closed based on Health Department recommendations. Things will be look and feel different as we need to allow for social distancing and follow other State-mandated guidelines. There will be one-way traffic guidelines, reduced numbers at the pool, and chairs will not be allowed to be moved. We encourage families that want to sit together to bring their own chairs.

Q: What are the outdoor pool hours?

Lap Swimming only, by reservation   9:00 – 11:00 am

Open Swim Daily   11:00 – 6:00 pm