GALION — The longtime head of the Galion YMCA is on the Ohio governor’s task force charged with recommending changes to gyms and fitness centers when they finally open statewide.
Terry Gribble, executive director of the Galion Y, was appointed by Gov. Mike DeWine to the 30-member group Saturday. He is representing the north central Ohio region on the Reopening Gyms, Fitness Centers, Etc. Advisory Group.
“We have accomplished a lot in the first few days,” said Gribble, who is one of only four Y directors to serve on the state advisory group. “I’m honored and pleased to be selected to serve as one of the voices for fitness centers opening back up.”
Gyms and fitness centers have been shut down since March 17 due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. Unlike retail stores and restaurants, however, DeWine has not yet announced when they will be allowed to reopen.
The advisory group, Gribble said, is under the direction of DeWine’s cabinet member, retired Maj. Gen. Deborah Ashenhurst, who serves as director of the Ohio Department of Veterans Services.
He said social distancing guidelines and sanitation issues especially are key in preventing the spread of COVID-19 in health facilities, many of which also have locker rooms and swimming pools and hold fitness classes for children and adults.
In addition to the buildings themselves, the group is examining seven other areas of concern, Gribble said, including employees, membership, fitness classes, locker rooms, programming, vending/smoothie bars and personal equipment.
Recommendations are already being re-written, he said, with some to be mandated under the reopening plan.
“The whole issue of spacing is so critical, so it’s really going to fall on the members,” he said. “That’s really key to this thing.”
Gribble, who has been at the helm of the Galion Y for 32 years, has 39 years of YMCA experience under his belt. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Lock Haven University in Pennsylvania and a master’s degree from Miami University.
“It really has been an honor to get this call and serve on this committee. It’s been humbling,” Gribble said. “But our goal now is to get the plan to the governor soon. He’s ready to open and we’re definitely ready to open.”
