The Goulash Chronicles: A Descent into Aquatic Purgatory I…read morehave returned from the brink, though a piece of my soul remains trapped in the filter of the YMCA shallow end. For those tracking my descent into madness, prepare yourselves for a tale of liquid treachery and the most disinterested deity to ever wear a polyester whistle. The Treacherous Shallows My journey began following a grueling session with my interpretive hopscotch league. I was seeking the baptismal clarity of the pool; instead, I found a lukewarm grave. I stepped into the shallow end--a depth so pathetic it barely dampened my shins--and promptly began to perish. It was a feat of anatomical impossibility. I was drowning in what was essentially a glorified puddle, my dignity dissolving faster than a cheap bouillon cube. Every desperate splash was a testament to my own physical incompetence, a silent scream for a God who had clearly clocked out for lunch. The Human Tsunami Enter Abdula: a child of such monumental, gravitational presence that his mere entry into the water caused a localized sea-level rise. Abdula did not swim; he displaced. His rolls functioned as organic flotation devices that defied both the laws of physics and the Geneva Conventions. He was a whirling dervish of "fat-chud energy," flailing with a smugness that suggested he knew his sheer mass would eventually beach me like a tragic, hopscotching whale. The Goulash God And then, there was The Sentinel. A towering, golden-haired colossus of questionable Eastern European origin--a man who radiated the "musty gym locker" chic of a disgraced Olympic shot-putter. Perched atop his throne like a bored Roman emperor, he managed a feat of multitasking that would make Gordon Ramsay weep. In one hand: a steaming bowl of industrial-grade goulash. In the other: a cracked iPhone, where he was aggressively day-trading crypto with the frantic energy of a man who had already lost his house. As Abdula's tidal waves threatened to consume my very existence, our "hero" didn't reach for a buoy. He reached for a spoon. He sat there, stirring his stew with a rhythmic, soul-crushing indifference. He watched me gasp for air in four inches of water, locked eyes with my fading soul, whispered a solemn "Walahi," and returned to his failing portfolio. The scent of paprika and despair hung heavy in the humid air. The Verdict Eventually, the universe grew bored of mocking me, and I crawled onto the tiles, shivering and defeated. Abdula remained, a glorious, floating island of chaos. The lifeguard didn't offer a towel; he merely grunted at a particularly nasty dip in the Ethereum markets and took another bite of his meat-slurry. Ambiance: Damp basement meets high-stakes gambling den. Safety: Non-existent, unless you can be rescued by a flying potato. The Lifeguard: A professional gatekeeper of death who prioritizes stew over stewardship. Final Rating: * 5 Stars for the existential crisis. 0 Stars for the rescue. Infinity Stars for Abdula's majestic, physics-defying girth. Beware the Shallows. Beware the Goulash. Walahi.

Amazing place one of my favorite YMCA gyms in erie. But Lucy the front desk representative, very…read morerude.

We had a blast, worth the price if you plan to spend the whole day there or at least 3+ hours. Food…read moreon site, chairs to lounge in and plenty of things to do based on age.

It's is nice for all kids, it's clean and safe. The staff is horribly rude and and bitchy. For the…read morehigh cost of swimming they should at least have some customer service experience.

Best aquagym! Love the fact that there is childminding too, gives parents the opportunity to…read moreworkout. Keep up the good work. Thank you. Go team YMCA!!!!

Brand spanking new YMCA serving London and surrounding area, kinda in the middle of nowhere as far…read moreas London hot spots go, but it's close to my house and much more convient to get to and park at than the downtown location. Weight room is top of the line and very spacious, with all brand new state of the art equipment, treadmills, freeweights and a track! Nice new gym and pools as well although the pool looks a little smaller than the one downtown, and my only gripe is that they don't have a hot tub! There is a big jungle gym play area for the kids and an attached library as well. All in all another great place for all people of all ages, and its brand new, so of course it looks super nice, check it out if you have a Y membership, it's a pretty amazing place.

I've been bike riding around this crazy lake all day long. Morning, noon & night. I have yet to get…read moresick of how gorgeous it truly is!! *Insert Sir Edgar Allan Poe: In spring of youth it was my lot To haunt of the wide earth a spot The which I could not love thee less -- So lovely was the loneliness Of a wild lake, with black rock bound, And the tall pines that tower'd around. But when the Night had thrown her pall Upon that spot, as upon all, And the mystic wind went by Murmuring in melody -- Then -- ah then I would awake To the terror of the lone lake. Yet that terror was not fright, But a tremulous delight -- A feeling not the jewelled mine Could teach or bribe me to define -- Nor Love -- although the Love were thine. Death was in that poisonous wave, And in its gulf a fitting grave For him who thence could solace bring To his lone imagining -- Whose solitary soul could make An Eden of that dim lake.

Amazing sunsets. Amazing fireworks. Amazing people. This lake is beautiful and serene and amazing…read morein the summertime.

I recently visited Mission Meadows for a quilt retreat. This review is specifically about the…read moregrounds, facilities, and staff, not about the retreat which was organized by a private group. The camp is beautiful. It's located directly in Chautauqua Lake. They have cabins with bunk beds and bathrooms, a few large buildings for big gatherings, including a dining hall with a full kitchen. There is also an activities building with a beautiful pool and hot tub. All of my experiences with the staff were exceptional. I have some dietary restrictions and the cook who prepared our meals was extremely accommodating and checked in on me throughout the weekend to make sure I was getting what I needed. The director and all other staff members were extremely kind and accommodating. They seem to run their own camp in the summer months, but also seem to rent out the camp for different events during the off season. My retreat was in March. March in WNY is not always the warmest, and all the accommodations were great. I never felt too cold or anything. Definitely consider camp mission meadows if you have any need for a group destination, overnight or not.

Mission Meadows is a great Christian camp. I have been to many camps as a leader or speaker and…read morethey all have their own uniqueness. What I love about Mission meadows, besides the beautiful view, the amazing chapel, and the above average camp food, is the mentality behind the camp. I have been a speaker here twice and have two more events booked in the next year. I love to come here because they are not a camp just for church kids. The camp is one of the most diverse camps I have visited, and the permanent and yearly staff love on the kids from ALL walks of life. The staff themselves are great people and I enjoyed getting to know them and working with them the last few years, Having stayed once in the regular cabins, I hate the mattresses, but everything else is nice and comfortable. One of their features is an indoor pool, rock wall, and gym that are available in the winter to rent out for the weekend, day, or afternoon when they are not being used for regular camp activities. If you have a chance, stop by and walk the grounds of the beautiful Mission Meadows.

Paying any fee for this is a mistake, in our opinion; & yet they charge the same high fee of…read moreprivate campgrounds with amenities! Grassy, uneven sites with E/W hook-up's placed FAR away so they can be centrally shared by multiple sites. It's also in the flight path of a local regional airport that has small NOISY planes flying low over the campsites well into the nite. Check in was the MOST un-friendly we've ever experienced as we were made to feel we were an intrusion into the group's conversation. When we asked for a campground map we got a sigh! We could go on (mosquitoes, security 'hovering', a people pool that has dedicated doggie swim (eww!), loud campers/music, etc) but take our word & camp anyplace else.

We were there for a family reunion so were only there for the day! Surroundings were pleasant, in…read morespite of some flooded areas and some erratic weather! My only complaint is with the terrible condition of some (?) washrooms - filthy and no toilet paper! It had been suggested, that due to possible poor environment in washrooms, washrooms at the pool would be a better bet - although $1 is a fairly insignificant amount to pay, it should not be necessary! So glad we have not brought any overseas visitors to Brant Park - embarrassing! Reach your full potential - clean up your act!

The pool itself is average, 3-9 feet with another diving pool. Four major downsides is most of the…read morechairs are damaged or broken, some of the rules are totally illogical, you can only swim for 3/4 of the time, and finally the food is slightly overpriced.

Redwood is a great swim club to belong to during NE Ohio's short period of nice weather. It's open…read morebetween Memorial Day and Labor Day, and sometimes later into September if the weather is nice. The pool is very nice, albeit not heated. There is a special diving pool with a diving board. There are tennis courts, a volleyball court, and tether ball poles for entertainment outside of the pool. There is a large field for running around and a picnic area for renting complete with picnic tables and a charcoal grill. There is also a snack bar that provides descent pool food. The owner is very nice. Redwood is members only, so you have to come with a member or become one yourself. I recommend joining if you need a place to swim and you live in Twinsburg, Hudson, Aurora, or even Streetsboro.

Trails are not maintained. Lots of poison ivy and a tree that fell three weeks ago in a storm…read moreacross the board walk hasn't been cleared despite reporting to the parks office of Mentor. Very sad.

Beautiful park in Mentor, Ohio. They have some nice playground equipment for kids to enjoy and a…read morenice pond. It would be nice if they had some better walking trails. The baseball fields are nice and well maintained. One problem they need to fix that hasn't been fixed in decades is the lack of bathrooms close to the playground and ball fields. Please put some restrooms near there! Overall a very nice park and they have the Mentor Farmers Market here as well.