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!

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!

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.

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.

We pay $130/mo for a family of 5 and there is an indoor pool with a slide at David Hunting branch. Can't beat that value. The Mary Free Bed branch is the nicest facility IMO if looking to use locker rooms, weights or cardio machines. Not nearly as busy as well. David Hunting locker rooms are very old & crowded. But you can't really ask for a better value in the Grand Rapids YMCA The kidzone is excellent at all branches.

LOVE paying for a gym membership when the pool is NEVER open. Theres always a “problem” with it or they are “cleaning” it. I go to the gym almost every day , mainly for the pool, and it’s only open I’d say 25% of the time. I wish there were another gym I could go too.