SAFETY & SANITATION

Updated July 31, 2020

Dear Members,

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We are excited to announce the launch of “DAC Outdoors” on August 3. DAC Outdoors is our new Outdoor Fitness Schedule that allows you to maximize your workout in some fun new settings – on the street, high up on the Overpark rooftop and at the park,. It is our solution for classes impacted by face covering mandates, in addition to providing a new outdoor experience during the warmer months.

Because we are so excited about the opportunity to use the Overpark (thank you City of Eugene), we want to invite you to bring your friends, family, and coworkers to any class held on the Rooftop of the Overpark Garage. There is tons of space, shade, and fresh air up there, we just have to share! At this time, Guest access is limited to Rooftop and park classes, and we will not be charging guest fees. Due to a smaller outdoor footprint, sidewalk classes are a member only offering.

We now have three break-out schedules to help you find the right classes in the right spaces. Our Virtual Schedule shows all classes offered online in our private Member Facebook Group. The DAC Outdoors Schedule contains all outdoor classes including rooftop, sidewalk, and park classes. The Club Schedule shows all fitness classes inside and outside of the Club with virtual and outdoor classes denoted.

We look forward to seeing you back at the Club, on the rooftop, at the park, or in our Member Facebook group! For an in-depth look at all of our Safety and Sanitation measures, please view our Phase Two Quick Reference Guide, our Club Sanitation Plan and our Club Sanitation Products documents. We are committed to being here for you and providing you with everything you need to “feel good from the inside out.”

Sincerely,

Rob Bennett

Updated July 23, 2020

Dear Members,
 

We have enjoyed seeing many of you back at the Club returning to your fitness routines. While times have changed, we like to say that “our DAC Family remains the same.” As you may know, the Oregon government has released an additional mandate regarding the wearing of face coverings in all indoor areas – including during exercise. By definition, face covering options include face masks, face shields, cloth coverings, and N95 respirators, and they should be worn by anyone 5 years or older without medical conditions that prevent them from doing so. This mandate will go into effect Friday, July 24.

For Members participating in strenuous physical activity, we recommend trying plastic face shields. The DAC is working to procure face shields and we anticipate having a supply available for purchase at cost beginning early next week.

We continue to use our expansive floor plans to accommodate social distancing, including reconfigured equipment layouts. Here are a few of the most recent additions we’ve made to our safety and sanitation protocols:

1. We are working to relocate some Fitness programing to nearby outdoor areas. More details to come soon.

2. Group X classes and Tribe Sessions continue to stream online for our Members who continue to shelter in place. Join us in our private Member Facebook group.

3. We continue to offer Youth Programs with active play and learning activities for children while providing a safe and healthy environment. All programing and safety measures align will state recommendations and requirements.

For an in-depth look at all of our Safety and Sanitation measures, please view our Phase Two Quick Reference Guide updated July 23, and our Club Sanitation Plan and Club Sanitation Products documents. We are committed to being here for you and providing you with everything you need to “feel good from the inside out.”

 

Sincerely,
Rob Bennett

Updated June 5, 2020

Dear Members,
 
We are thrilled to announce the beginning of Phase 2 and the reopening of our Aquatics Center and Showers. Effective June 6, 2020 at 7:00 A.M., our Fitness Pool, Lap Pool, Spa, and Showers will be accessible for use with appropriate distancing measures. We are excited about the expansion of these services and continue to make safety and sanitation are our top priority. Please be advised of the following when using the Pool and Locker Room services during Phase 2:

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• Pool Occupancy Guidelines:

  • Lap Pool – 4 people (1 person per lane)

  • Fitness Pool – 24 people (please maintain 6’ distancing at all times. Persons of the same party are not required to maintain social distancing)

  • Spa – 1 person (or 1 household)

• Alternating shower stalls have been decommissioned in an effort to maintain social distancing

• Pool keys will be disinfected and treated with our long-lasting, antimicrobial solution after each use

• Upon entry to the Club, workout and shower towels will be distributed from the Back Welcome Desk. Please dispose of your towel in the Locker Room hampers.

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We will actively monitor Pool use and update any necessary processes to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our Members. Please be aware of all posted signage and help us keep the DAC safe for all Members and Guests. For a full update of Club facilities, services, and amenities, please view our Phase Two Quick Reference Guide. To learn about our approach to sanitation, read our Club Sanitation Plan and Club Cleaning Products documents. We look forward to seeing you at the Club!

Sincerely,
Rob Bennett

Updated May 15, 2020

Dear Members,

On behalf of the entire team at the Downtown Athletic Club, we'd like to take a moment to say thank you again for your loyalty and support. The past several months have been unlike anything we've ever experienced. We're working hard to evolve so we can continue to bring you the service and experience you need from your Club, even if it may look a little different than it has in the past. We’ve been anxiously awaiting the opportunity to send this letter and share the good news that we will be opening next Friday, May 22.

It really can't be said enough - your health, and the health of our Employees, are our number one priority. Every decision we make is aligned with that priority in mind. The DAC has put in place a multi-pronged approach designed to meet the health and safety challenges presented by COVID-19. Below is an overview of the key components of our Commitment to Cleanliness and Safety.

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• Phase One – Quick Reference Guide

• Club Sanitation Plan

• Club Sanitation Products

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In addition to the above key components, we have implemented new safety protocols to ensure the health and wellbeing of our Members and Employees. Face coverings will be provided to all DAC Employees to be worn while working. New cleaning technologies have been integrated throughout the Club including the use of a non-toxic, long-lasting antimicrobial shield that protects equipment and other high touch surfaces between cleanings. We have also performed enhancements on our HVAC filtration system for increased indoor air quality.

When you check-in at the Welcome Desk, you will notice a few modifications to your normal routine. These changes have been developed to be consistent with recommended social distancing guidelines. All Members are encouraged to bring their own face coverings and use them when they enter and exit, during regular movement throughout the Club, and while exercising if possible. We also encourage you to bring your own water bottle to use at our water filling stations. Wiping down all equipment immediately before and after each use with Club-provided disinfectant wipes is required. New sanitation stations have been installed for safety and convenience.

Please be patient with us as we work together to navigate the “new normal.” The steps we’re taking, and asking you to take regarding sanitation and distancing, are for the continued health and safety of our DAC community. Thank you again for sticking with us through this difficult time. If we’ve learned anything during this pandemic, it is that we are all in this together.

Sincerely,
Rob Bennett

Updated April 1, 2020

Dear Members,

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The Club remains closed per the Oregon mandatory Shelter in Place order. At this time, we are hopeful and preparing to reopen with enhanced safety measures and modified operations to protect you and our staff.

Human connectedness has always been the key ingredient to our DAC community. Now is not the time to let that go, rather the time to make it grow. If you haven’t already, please join our exclusive Facebook group where we already have over 600 Members visiting daily, participating in LIVE classes, working out together virtually, sharing stories, and tightening their connections. Special things are happening here!

Steps to join:

1. Click here

2. Login or create a Facebook account if prompted

3. Click "Join Group" and confirm you are a DAC Member

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We are continually adding new content including LIVE classes, a "Work Out of the Day" (W.O.D.) led by a certified personal trainer, and even some fun Pop-Up sessions from your favorite instructors! We're also preparing some fun, interesting content on other topics like nutrition, cooking, and wellness through multiple platforms including ZOOM and our very own website.

Your membership is what allows us to keep our doors open. It will enable us to reopen with the services and the familiar faces that you've all come to know and love. If you are able to keep your membership active without a financial burden to yourself we would be forever grateful. There are a lot of people whose livelihood depends on it, and we're so appreciative of your continued support. Membership dues will be processed in April, and if your statement does not reflect the dues amount you wish to pay, we will adjust accordingly.

We will honor your requests. If you need to place your membership on hold, we will do so at no cost. Should you need to cancel, we will process cancellation requests as well. Simply submit your request by emailing billing@downtownac.com. Please contact us by April 6 as automatic payments will be processed on April 8. We will follow up on all requests as quickly as possible.

We miss you and are here for you. From on-demand to live-streaming classes, live small group training, nutrition seminars, healthy living resources, and more, we are virtually everywhere, ready to be of service to you. Now more important than ever, is the need to remain connected and to stay well. If you’re not yet taking advantage of our virtual programs included in your membership, we invite you to join in. You already know the power of exercise, and we will come out of this stronger together.

We appreciate your support. Many of you have asked how you can help. Continue to work with your personal trainers through virtual coaching. Stay active and prepare to come back strong when we reopen. Help make our voices heard on Capitol Hill with support for the fitness industry by writing to Federal & State Legislators.

Don’t lose sight of your commitment to health and wellness – and if you need an extra nudge, we are here to help in any way we can. From all of us at the DAC, we will miss you and we hope to see you soon.
 

Stay well,
Rob Bennett

Updated March 23, 2020

Dear Members,

As you have may have heard, Governor Brown issued a Stay at Home order earlier today that directs many businesses to close by midnight tonight, including the Downtown Athletic Club. Our mission at the DAC is to help people feel good from the inside out. In light of our collective circumstances, our team has never felt more passionate.

Human connectedness has always been the key ingredient to our DAC community. Now is not the time to let that go, rather the time to make it grow. If you haven’t already, please join our exclusive Facebook group where we already have over 300 Members visiting daily, participating in LIVE classes, working out together virtually, sharing stories, and tightening their connections. Special things are happening here!

Steps to join:

1. Click here

2. Login or create a Facebook account if prompted

3. Click "Join Group" and confirm you are a DAC Member

Note: we are working on a virtual fitness offering accessible through our website that will launch soon.

We value your membership and support during this difficult time and encourage you to stay the course. Don’t lose sight of your commitment to health and wellness – and if you need an extra nudge, we are here to help in any way we can. From all of us at the DAC, we will miss you and we hope to see you soon.

Sincerely,
Rob Bennett

Updated March 20, 2020

Dear Members,

In the past three weeks, we have experienced unthinkable changes in our daily lives. As you know, the DAC has made the difficult decision to remain open. We have done so because the DAC is not a typical gym, we are an athletic club that plays an important role for many Members and serves as their connection to the broader community. In times like this, it is vital to maintain a sense of place so people can cope with the challenges of accepting our current reality. That being said, we realize the seriousness of the COVID-19 virus and have taken every possible measure we know of to ensure the safety and well-being of our Members and Staff.

One of the most unique features of the DAC is our vast size. We have over 100,000 square feet of various fitness options and open space. This enables Members to work out while practicing advised social distancing protocols. Due to those protocols, we temporarily canceled group activities several weeks ago, opening up even more space for individual Members to exercise. Many Members are finding new, unexplored areas of the Club in addition to taking classes online from our own DAC instructors for the first time.

Like all small businesses, the DAC relies on its customers to stay open and operate. What makes the DAC special also makes us different than most small businesses. We are located in a classic historical building built in 1909, which gives the DAC its unique character and feel, but also comes with a substantial cost in maintenance and upkeep. Our largest costs continue regardless of how many people are coming to the Club.

These are uncharted waters for everyone and things can change at any time. Many cities are ordering businesses to close, which may or may not happen in Eugene. In any event, we want to give you the following guidance assuming we are not able to return to normalcy by early April:

Billing statements will go out in April as usual. We are asking for your support through continued membership dues payments. If you are not able to do this, please contact billing@downtownac.com by Friday, April 3, so we can discuss options.

The economic impact of the COVID-19 virus is the single biggest crisis we have faced in the 35-year history of the Downtown Athletic Club. How we handle this unprecedented health and economic crisis will shape us for years to come. As much as possible, we believe in supporting as many families and family businesses as we can. We are asking for you to do the same so we can come out of this crisis stronger and more connected than before. Thank you for being a part of our DAC community.
 

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Rob Bennett

Owner

Updated March 19, 2020

Our Pilates studio will be closed from March 18 to March 31. We will send updates as we prepare to reopen the studio.

Updated March 16, 2020

Dear Members,

During this time of uncertainty, I want to thank you for your continued support of the Club and our Employees. We’ve received many words of encouragement from fellow Members and this means the world to our DAC Family. Today, I’m writing to give you an update on some adjustments we made in our operation.

All Third Floor and Food and Beverage services are suspended until further notice. This includes Ax Billy restaurant and sports bar, the Café, and the Conference Center. Our governing authorities have made this mandate.

All Group X classes are canceled beginning Tuesday, March 17. While our group activities are paused, we are still opening our doors during normal hours for you to work out, swim, shower, and continue to use the facility for your daily routine. We will be closing the steam rooms and saunas as an additional precaution. While we are grateful to be able to keep our doors open and provide payroll for our employees, we need your help in keeping the DAC a safe and healthy place to be. Please adhere to all Club signage and notices, and do your part in upholding the 6-foot distance rule.

For those of you wishing to stay home, we have put together a complimentary digital fitness offering for our Members through a digital platform called MOSSA MOVES. Please follow this link to begin your free 60-day trial with MOSSA MOVES:

We also have a Member Facebook group you can join by clicking here:  We are working to build our very own digital class inventory featuring DAC Instructors through this group that will continue to grow over time.

The easiest way to get live updates on the status of the Club is to visit our website at downtownac.com/safety. As a reminder, our Mission is to help people feel good from the inside out. I ask that you pay this forward in your own way during this difficult time. Thank you for being a part of our DAC Community.
 

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Rob Bennett

Owner