The Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore reopened the outdoor lap pool and several lanes of the family pool at its Rosenbloom Owings Mills campus last Tuesday, June 9.
Both JCC campuses in Owings Mills and Park Heights have been closed since Mar. 17 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Weinberg Park Heights JCC remains closed as a result of Baltimore City Health Department regulations.
Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore
(File photo)
“We remain committed to offering a safe summer experience for our community,” Barak Hermann, the JCC’s chief executive officer, said in a video message to members.
The Owings Mills JCC outdoor pools reopened, but pre-registration is required. The Shapiro Aquatics Park reopened for up to 90 people at a time for two-hour sessions.
Meanwhile, the kiddie pools and multi-level splashpad at Owings Mills will remain closed due to Maryland Department of Health regulations.
Outdoor fitness programming on a limited basis is also available at the Owings Mills JCC. This includes group fitness classes, personal training and individual workouts.
Next week, the JCC will announce plans for recreational swim at the Owings Mills center.
Currently, the JCC is evaluating several other possible reopenings, including its tennis offerings, under specific guidelines, as well as offering outdoor fitness classes on the roof of its Park Heights campus. The latter depends on Baltimore City Health Department regulations regarding gym reopenings.
The JCC is working closely with disease prevention experts from LifeBridge Health to implement the health protocols required to open safely, in addition to adhering to the Centers for Disease Control guidelines and state and local requirements.
All visitors to the Owings Mills campus must fill in a medical questionnaire and undergo an intake process that includes taking their temperature. Social distancing and cleaning protocols will be enforced and required at the JCC at all times.
Since the closings, the JCC has pivoted to virtual programming, such as fitness classes and teen activities as well as the 32nd annual William and Irene Weinberg Family Baltimore Jewish Film Festival.
Meanwhile, the JCC plans to open its J Camps program at the Owings Mills campus on Monday, July 6.
“After careful consideration, review of the Maryland State Recovery Plan, and consultation with local and national medical experts and camping associations, J Camps is preparing for a modified 2020 camp season,” the camps said in a statement on its website (https://www.jcc.org/center-youth-families/j-camps).
In the video, Hermann thanked JCC members for their patience during a challenging time for the center.
“By maintaining your membership, you have been ensuring the future of the JCC and our ability to enduring throughout this crisis,” he said.
For information, visit https://jcc.org/phase-one-two.
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