YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids

We had a great tour today led by Allie, their executive director. She was so professional and knowledgeable from start to finish. The building is under some major construction right now but Allie painted us a fabulous picture of what’s to come. I imagine the construction can be a headache for staff and members alike but everyone we passed had a smile on their face. The space was clean and the equipment was well organized. We left with a new membership and are excited to put it to use!

I am sharing this here because my experience at a local branch (David D Hunting) raised concerns about how member safety and staff accountability are handled. While I was a member, I raised concerns involving Brandon Alexander, who was s a spin instructor at the time. My concerns were about what I experienced as retaliatory behavior and blurred professional boundaries. I asked leadership specific questions about their code of conduct policies and what reporting protocols exist when concerns involve staff members. I did not receive clear answers or communication about what steps, if any, were taken beyond being told to report future incidents. Since then, I have learned that another female member reported similar concerns involving the same instructor. When multiple members raise concerns about staff-member boundaries and behavior it is important that there are transparent procedures in place. I am sharing this in hopes that YMCA leadership will strengthen reporting processes, clarify accountability standards, and ensure members feel safe and supported across all branches.

This place has become a joke. Just today, there are kids hanging on the basketball rim trying to climb all the way up it on my right side and on my left there are 2 kids tossing the bench bar onto each other and laughing hysterically like it’s a game. Heaven forbid any worker does anything about it- I’m sure they’re pretty busy running this 5 star facility. Additionally, you have to park in a garage across the street, no steam room, no sauna, the mens/boys locker room is about 10x10 with water all over the place. I guess it’s fine for something that’s $20/mo, but for $80/mo it’s a complete joke.

No on site parking! And the parking ramp is across the railroad tracks and across the street. I've been charged twice for parking in the ramp and it is supposed to be free. This WAS my favorite gym since 2005. About a year ago they removed an entire row of treadmills and now it's more difficult to find an available treadmill. MVP is looking better everyday. :(

Two stars for winter use. The parking ramp is no big deal spring, summer, and fall. But winter is another thing—and we are only 2 snow storms in! The sidewalk on Winter Ave. from the ramp is either spotless—or an icy mess. Guy at the desk said it’s the city’s responsibility, “But we put some salt on it this morning.” Except if it’s for the safety of your members (especially older ones!) wouldn’t you think it would be top priority to keep the walk snow and ice free?! Hated the brush off and lack of concern. Take care of your people!

The YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids is a decent place overall. The facility has a lot to offer, and the staff are generally kind and helpful. However, some of the equipment and areas could use better upkeep, and things can feel a bit crowded at times. It’s not bad by any means, but it could definitely use a few improvements to make the experience more enjoyable.

My son has passed the swim test at the Spartan Nash YMCA and every time we go to another location they tell me he has to pass the swim test again if I’m not directly in the pool next to him. Only the past few weeks this has happened with only female lifeguards! I don’t understand, we paid good $ for private lessons so he could pass the swim test. Why does he need to take it every time he goes swimming? I’m not directly in the pool with him but I never leave him in there. The lifeguard today made him get out, made us walk to the desk so they could look it up that he passed then we could go back but there has to be a better way. We’ve never had anything said to us before and the pool was crowded with kids in there without their parents. I completely felt singled out and we’ve been members for 10 years, paying members. PLAIN & SIMPLE THE SO CALLED RULES DON’T APPLY TO EVERYONE.

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids downtown is a very nice facility. The pool has 6 lanes, so I prefer the Mary Free Bed Y with 8 lanes. Parking a little quirky with using bar code card or phone app for entry. Staff always friendly and helpful.