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All Merritt Clubs locations are open. To expedite the check-in process, we ask that members sign and print out our Health Declaration and Waiver and bring it to the club.
A WORD FROM OUR TEAM
For the last 43 years, this community has been our family and we are grateful for the trust you have shown us. Now with COVID-19 front and center in our lives, we want to help keep you safe by committing to the highest levels of health and safety within our clubs.
On this page you will find detailed descriptions of our new safety measures to ensure we are transparent about our efforts, both now and for the future. We are making strides in all areas of our clubs, including cleaning and sanitation, physical distancing, social responsibility, health, and hygiene, for both our members and our employees.
– Mark Miller, COO of Merritt Clubs
A WORD FROM OUR MEMBERS
CLUB ENHANCEMENTS
CLEANING & SANITATION
Lobbies:
Sneeze guards are placed on all welcome desks and kid’s club counters as an extra precaution, and signage will be posted at entry ways stating that no members or staff are to enter the club if they show any signs or symptoms of COVID-19. For contactless check-in, members will be required to check in using the Merritt Clubs app, and cash will no longer be accepted.
“They made a lot of changes to accommodate for social distancing. Very clean and well managed. Worth the money.”
– Dave, Merritt Clubs Canton
Group fitness studios:
Class times will be adjusted to ensure there is at least 15 minutes between each class so that equipment can be properly sanitized. Instructors are tasked with reminding members to wipe down equipment before and after each class. Learn how to register for classes here.
“When the wide variety of outdoor classes started, they were fun and safe, and it was so nice to see people again!”
– Rachel, Merritt Clubs Fort Avenue
Fitness floor:
We’ve rearranged equipment to observe physical distancing and proper spacing. While the majority of equipment has remained in the club, some have been removed to make space. Our team will be using hospital-grade disinfectant on machines and fogging free weights with the electrostatic guns throughout the day.
“You took the requirements for social distancing to heart, and the club feels safe. Simply, the club is just a good place to workout. Plain and simple.”
– Jeffery, Merritt Clubs Eldersburg
High-touch areas:
Surfaces will be thoroughly cleaned and treated by our teams with hospital-grade disinfectants throughout the day, and third party cleaning and fogging companies will be utilized if necessary. Floor stickies will be placed in high-traffic areas and group fitness studios to remind members to remain at least 6 feet apart.
“I saw cleaning/ sanitizing being done, everyone has to leave at a certain time, hoses, buckets, brushes come out and additional deep cleaning is done.”
– Mary, Merritt Clubs White Marsh
Kids Club:
Our team has put together safety protocols to allow for the reopening of the Kids Club. If you would like to bring your child, you must use the Merritt Clubs app to make a reservation. Hours have been modified and capacity has been limited to ensure everyone’s safety. A 1.5 hour max time limit will be strictly enforced. Learn how to reserve your spot here.
State officials require children ages five and over to wear a mask while in the Kids’ Club when physical distancing is not possible. If your child does not have a mask, they will be unable to enter.
“This facility is staffed with amazing people. It is always clean, and is a welcoming environment. I love the child care staff. My son is EXCITED to go!”
– Krista, Merritt Clubs Canton
Outdoor Pools:
Members will be required to make a reservation to access the pool facility. We will adhere to state guidelines for how many patrons can be in the pool at once, as well as social distancing guidelines for maintaining at least 6 feet of physical distance while in the pool and on the pool deck. Please review and follow the pool guidelines listed here and learn how to reserve a spot here.
“I swim laps daily and read at the pool in the late afternoons and I have been so impressed with how the registration system has been handled.”
– Sarah, Merritt Clubs Fort Avenue
Planning for a safe visit
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
- Ensure you have not had any of the symptoms of COVID-19 listed on the CDC website within the last 48 hours, and are not currently positive for COVID-19.
- Review the new Health Declaration Form and Waiver. You can digitally fill it out ahead of time, print and bring with you to the club.
- Check the website to view your club location’s updated hours and new class schedule.
WHEN YOU ARRIVE
- Wear a mask as you enter the club, per the Governor’s mandate.
- Turn in your Health Declaration and Waiver form at the welcome desk.
- Check in using the Merritt Clubs App.
WHILE YOU’RE HERE
- Please be respectful and courteous to all and take a high degree of personal responsibility while in the clubs. Observe safe distances of at least 6 feet and pay attention to floor decals when in high-traffic areas.
- Wash and sanitize your hands frequently.
- Thoroughly wipe down equipment before and after use. Cleaning is a team sport.
- Please be understanding we are doing our best to mitigate things and help during this time. While you may not like or agree with some changes, we are following all guidelines and best practices, and these are subject to change. Please do not take anything out on our club teams or individual staff. This will not be tolerated. We appreciate everyone working with us as we create a healthy way back for all.
Member FAQs
What happens to my dues paid in March?
All clubs officially opened their doors on Saturday, June 20. To make up for the lost time in March, we will not begin billing until July 1 and after depending on your billing date.
How do you plan to keep the club clean?
We have carefully followed the CDC’s guidelines for properly disinfecting and sanitizing the clubs during the temporary closure. We have purchased new technology to assist in countering the spread of germs including electrostatic sprayers with hospital-grade disinfectant to sanitize all surfaces. In addition, we have purchased extra gyms wipes and automatic hand sanitizing stations and carefully placed them at the club entrances, throughout the fitness floor, in group fitness studios and the Kids Clubs.
Signs have been installed throughout the clubs reminding members to wipe down equipment before and after each use. Our team will also be tasked with disinfecting equipment and fogging free weights with electrostatic guns at closing.
How are you controlling social distancing?
We have rearranged equipment to adhere to physical distancing regulations. In doing this, we have temporarily moved equipment onto some basketball courts. In addition, we have placed floor stickers in high-traffic areas to assist with traffic flow and ensure people are staying at least 6 feet apart.
What responsibility do I have as a member to help keep the facility clean?
Upholding your social responsibility is extremely important. All members must disinfect equipment before and after each use. Members may not knowingly enter the club if they have experienced any of the following symptoms in the last 48 hours: fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, loss of taste or smell.
Will you provide gloves or masks for members?
We will not be providing gloves or masks. However, all members will be required to wear masks inside of the club per the Governor’s mandate.
What are my options for canceling my membership?
If you have concerns about returning to the club, you can cancel per your membership agreement, which may require a fee.
Note: If you were receiving a rate that is no longer offered, you would receive the current rates when re-joining in the future.
I am uncomfortable returning to the club. Can I keep my membership on freeze?
Yes, we are allowing you to freeze your membership at no charge through November 30, 2020. If you would like to remain on freeze after November 30, 2020 you will be charged 1/3 of your monthly membership dues. Contact information is listed under your home club’s page on our website.
How is your pool disinfected?
Indoor and outdoor pools have been disinfected using chlorine at proper health department sanitation levels.
Will I get a prorate for services not currently open?
No, we will not be prorating services, as other areas of the club are still available. Your option would be to freeze or cancel your membership.
Will virtual group fitness still be offered?
We have Merritt Clubs On Demand, a virtual membership that launched in December 2020. The membership may be added to any current membership for a small fee, or purchased separately for non-members. Currently, this is only available to Merritt Clubs members. But we will be opening it up to non-members soon.
Why are group fitness class times shorter?
We have adjusted class times to allow for proper cleaning in between classes. Instructors will require participants to disinfect their equipment after each class.
Why can’t I use cash to make purchases?
To reduce the spread of germs, we are no longer allowing cash payments. Members are encouraged to use their card on file for any purchases. You will notice plastic coverings over the credit card reader to allow for frequent cleaning and replacement.
I am not seeing my favorite team member, where are they?
Due to the impact COVID-19 has had on our club, we are unable to bring back all team members at this time. Some team members have chosen to pursue other work.
What is your protocol if someone who has visited the club tests positive for COVID-19?
We have educated our staff about the signs and symptoms of illness. We will ask members to leave if the manager on duty deems necessary. We are updating our check-in greeting to include a declaration of health from each member.
If someone who has used the club tests positive for COVID-19, we will alert the local health department and follow their guidelines. All members using the club will be asked to confirm their contact information and update their picture on file so that we can effectively communicate when necessary.
Will the clubs be open 24 hours?
Our clubs’ hours have been temporarily modified. The Buckingham, Cranbrook, Eldersburg and Owings Mills locations are all now open 24 hours. Please visit our website to view your club’s hours.
What is your mask policy?
Merritt Clubs follows all guidelines mandated by:
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- Baltimore City (Canton, Downtown, & Fort Avenue)
- Baltimore County (Cranbrook, Owings Mills, Towson, & White Marsh)
- Anne Arundel County (Buckingham)
- Carroll County (Eldersburg)
Members at our Buckingham, Canton, Cranbrook, Downtown, Fort Avenue Owings Mills, Towson and White Marsh locations MUST wear a mask at ALL times while inside of the club. Except when swimming or taking a drink of water.
Members at the Eldersburg club two years of age and older must wear a face covering while inside the club at all times. Members may only remove their masks while engaging in vigorous exercise more than six feet away from another individual and while actively hydrating. Members are required to re-mask when moving between exercises.
Please read below for more detail on the Merritt Clubs Mask Policy at the Eldersburg club and how it pertains to certain areas of the club:
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- Group Fitness: Members must wear a mask upon entering and exiting the studio. The mask should remain on while members are setting up for class. If a member is participating in vigorous exercise and is unable to safely wear a mask, they may remove it if they are more than six feet away from another individual. Members must re-mask immediately after the class.
- Stretching Area: Stretching is not considered a vigorous activity; therefore, members are required to wear a mask.
- Kids’ Clubs/Camps: As per the order, children ages two and older are required to wear a face-covering while inside the club at all times. Masks may only be removed while actively eating or drinking.
- Locker Rooms: Masks are required at all times while in the locker room except for when taking a shower and brushing your teeth in the sink. Members must re-mask immediately after showering or brushing their teeth.
- Indoor Pools: Face coverings are required while entering and exiting the pool deck, interacting with others, and moving throughout the deck. Face coverings are not required when swimming in the pool.
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Our team is required to wear a face covering at all times inside the club. Lifeguards may remove their mask while on the lifeguard stand, more than 6 feet away from another person.
Will towel service be available?
Towel service has been temporarily suspended to reduce person-to-person exposure. We do not have a timeline on when this service will become available.
Can I bring a guest to the club?
Yes, you may bring a guest with you to the club. Please contact the club prior to coming to make sure we are not under any capacity restriction.
Are you still hosting group fitness classes at the club?
Group fitness officially resumed on June 24, 2020; however, clubs in Baltimore City (Canton, Downtown, Fort Avenue) are currently not holding these classes to comply with local orders. For the rest of the clubs, the schedule is modified, and participant capacity is limited to adhere to recommended safety guidelines. Class times and locations will be updated online and on the Merritt Clubs app as changes occur. Members are limited to one class per day while capacity limitations are in place.
Will there be enough cleaning supplies?
Yes. We have increased the level of product we are stocking. Our group fitness instructors and personal trainers will also be instructing members about our cleaning expectations.
Is the Kids' Club open?
Yes, our Kids’ Clubs are officially open. Our team has put together safety protocols to allow for the reopening of the Kids Club. If you would like to bring your child to the Kids Club, you must use the Merritt Clubs app to make a reservation. Hours have been modified and capacity has been limited to ensure everyone’s safety. A 1.5 hour MAX time limit will be strictly enforced and kids five years and older are required to wear a mask.
Have you made any changes to HVAC?
Yes. Our maintenance team has made several enhancements to HVAC units to provide more fresh air flow and installed micronized filters to trap particles and clean air. In addition, we’ve either eliminated or disabled fans to mitigate spread.
Can I still purchase a smoothie?
At this time, we are not offering smoothies. This will allow our welcome desk team to closely monitor the flow of traffic.
What happens to money I paid for programs such as camps, personal training, swim, Etc.? Can I get a refund?
Once we re-open, we will evaluate credits or refunds for services not rendered on a case-by-case basis. If you have questions about a specific program, it is best to speak to that department manager or general manager at your location. Contact information is listed on our website.
