By Jon Shaner
The Salvation Army
After six months of complete closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Salvation Army Kroc Center will reopen to members on Thursday, Sept. 17, in accordance with the pre-Labor Day executive order by Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
“We’ve spent the last few months making sure the Kroc Center is as safe as possible for our members,” said Senior Kroc Officer Captain Bill Brutto. “The Kroc is an important place for the physical and mental health of our members, and we are glad to be able to welcome them back.”
The Kroc Center will continue to follow all state and local guidelines and has developed its own “Road to Reopening” plan that will phase in services and programs over the coming weeks and months. Details on the plan are available at GrKrocCenter.org.
In the first “Orange” phase, only the fitness center will be available to Kroc Center members. No day passes will be sold. Services like the aquatics center, gymnasium, group exercise classes, and child watch will return during the “Yellow” phase. Day passes, programs, and all other services will wait until the “Green” phase. The progression of phases will be based on customer feedback, staffing, and, most importantly, the state of the coronavirus in the Grand Rapids area.
“Even as we reopen, the COVID-19 pandemic is still with us, and we can’t ignore its impact on the people we serve,” said Captain Brutto. “Every step we take is rooted in the health and safety of our members and guests.”
During its closure, the Kroc Center has continued to provide services to members and guests by offering free sack lunches and grocery boxes, check-in calls for seniors, and virtual fitness classes and other activities. Kroc Church has also continued meeting, both via online channels and outdoor worship services.
