Full disclosure, I only come here to watch my nephew play hockey…read more Most of the time parking is easy when I come to watch my nephew's game, but sometimes it is insanely packed, especially if they have more than one event going on. This past weekend was a hockey game and a swim meet so I had to park very far away because I didn't get there early enough. The facility is always clean and looks well maintained. It is a little difficult to navigate if you're not exactly sure where you're going, but I always eventually find my way. They have so many amenities! There is a gym, a pool, an ice rink, and even a concession station! There's probably much more that I haven't seen, but it looks like they have a lot to offer. My best friend's family has a membership and they are there weekly if not multiple times a week. If I had kids and lived in Orange County, I would definitely check this out.

The pool was reserved for a masters swim meet, so we had the space to ourselves. The workers were…read morefriendly and helped direct us where to go. The complex looked like it had a lot of other options for working out, and even a separate space to meet with a physical therapist for sessions. It was a nice facility.

Overall, I've had consistently good experiences at this aquatic center. The facility is fairly…read moreclean, and I've never encountered the strong pool or locker room odors that can sometimes be an issue at swim spaces. The water temperature has been comfortable and well-balanced on most visits--perfect for lap swimming, with only one day that felt slightly chilly (not bothersome for me). The staff are calm, approachable, and hospitable, which helps create a relaxed and welcoming environment. I also appreciate that they provide a few pieces of equipment like the tombstone-shaped paddle boards and pool weights, which add variety to a workout. One thing to be aware of is that you'll want to bring your own personal hygiene items--there also aren't wipes for cleaning lockers nor are locks provided. It might be helpful if the center gave clearer guidance on what to bring so guests can come prepared. The atmosphere is generally peaceful, though if the boombox-style aerobics class isn't your preference, you'll want to check the schedule ahead of time. The schedule is posted week-to-week, so it's worth planning around if you're looking for a quieter, more meditative swim. Despite a few small considerations, I've enjoyed a sense of privacy and a good, focused swim on each visit. It's a solid place to get in the water and take care of your health.

Really nice aquatic center in Chapel Hill! I took the bus here from my hotel near the university,…read moreit was a free bus ride and quick (plus a short walk). The aquatic center has great locker rooms; they are clean, spacious, and have good shower facilities...bring your own lock. The pool itself is huge (there's actually two pools, but just one for laps), I had no problem getting a lane to myself. All in all, this is a wonderful public aquatic center!

This review is exclusively about the Fitness Center (the building with the indoor exercise…read moreequipment) at Holmes Sr. Recreation Center. The Fitness Center is in a separate building from the rest of the main facility and its opening hours are different from the rest of the facility. The hours are rather odd but may be due to the lack of staffing though I'm not sure about that. In terms of the equipment, the Fitness Center has two treadmills, a few indoor bikes, a rowing machine, and a StairMaster StepMill (ones in which actual stairs revolve like an escalator). There are no elliptical machines. There are are a number of weight machines, and dumb bells. The equipment overall looks to be adequate for someone who is interested to do some strength/weight training and cardio. The staff tells me that the Fitness Center does not see much activity. The few times we've been, we were the only people there. The major negative about the Center really are the hours. It is open everyday except Sunday, but on the days they are open, there are hours in the middle of the day when the Center is not open. This punctuated schedule can make arranging one's exercise schedule a bit off.

This pool is one of Durham's hidden gems! It's quiet, clean, & well-maintained and the facility was…read morerecently renovated. My husband and I swim here once or twice a week all fall and winter, and it's great. Best of all, it's rarely crowded or noisy so I can have a lane to myself and meditate or vegetate happily as I do my laps. The location is not super-convenient for me, but I don't mind going a bit out of my way for the pleasure of a good swim. It can be a little hard to find if you're not familiar with that neighborhood, but it's very much worth it.

Always a fun place to frequent during the summertime. But know they chill the lap lane pool for…read moreswim team and it's COLD! It does feel good on these hot days. Nothing like sunshine and water outdoors. They have a lot of kids enjoying the summer camp this time of year and many life guards on duty. This is fun poo

In the summer, this is my favorite spot to swim. This location has a great cooling/heating system,…read moreso the water is refreshingly cool on hot days and warm on cooler days. As with all YMCA locations during Covid times, you need to sign up for a lane if you're lap swimming. Numbers are capped for virus capacity for the family area, so be mindful on weekends.

I'm currently coming here for shoulder PT. I'm super impressed with my therapist, but not so much…read morewith the other staff. They haven't been the nicest or easiest to work with. Some how I got scheduled for a couple of pool sessions by accident. However I wasn't able to cancel it online. I had to call which was a headache. I had to jump through so many hoops!

"Fitness center just off Duke's west campus"…read more My regular gym has been closed for renovations, so I came here for a few weeks. A one-month guest membership was $70 for Duke employees, but it took quite a good 30 minutes just to sign up (needed to verify things, take my picture for ID, etc.). It's not a "high-end" fitness center with lattes, but it's certainly acceptable. They had some group exercise classes, but I didn't really look into those. Median age of people I saw there (~6:30-7:30am) was ~60 years old or so. It did seem like one emphasis here was for rehabilitation, too: one of the first things I saw after entering was a big set of rolling walkers. The layout is a bit odd-- large track circling various pieces of equipment, with free weights in one corner and bikes (for spinning classes) in another. I was never clear what the very center was for-- perhaps some sort of sport that wasn't being played in the early morning hours I went. Much of the equipment seems old. There was a lap pool in a room off to the side, but I never tried it. Positives: + Friendly staff + You get a locker key each time you check in (while they hold your car key) + Towel service + Sauna Potential negatives: - No TVs or other good distractions - Awkwardly large layout - Uncurtained group men's shower Synopsis: I was fine with this facility for a few weeks, but I definitely felt out of place as likely the youngest or second-youngest person exercising there in the early hours (and I'm in my 40s).

We're lucky to have friends that are members that occasionally bring us as their guests!…read more The pool is great and we love the shallow end for the younger kids. The Grill also has a good selection of items for meals or just a quick snack. We have also been to the clubhouse area and playground for some parties and events.

In Chapel Hill, "The Farm" refers to the private club of the UNC Faculty-Staff Recreation…read moreAssociation. It's kind of like a country club, but without a golf course. There are tennis courts, pickleball courts, swimming and diving pools, outdoor rock climbing walls, a gym, an outdoor basketball court, disc golf, beach volleyball, a clubhouse, playground, three shelters (pavilions) with wooden tables and benches, and more. Actually, it's more like a private park than a private country club. In terms of how nice The Farm is, I'd say it's on a public park level. When I saw The Farm is private, I was thinking it would be nicer and perhaps higher-end. Instead, it felt more like a small city park that happens to be private. My wife has been here multiple times for various UNC events. I attended one of the events with her. It took place at The Farm's clubhouse, the adjacent pavilion, and the playground. It was a family-friendly event. Parents brought their children who played on the playground. Food and drink were set up inside the clubhouse's kitchen. The clubhouse and overall grounds and facilities that I saw were modest. The shelter had string lighting lining the ceiling. The tables had a lot of what looked like dried-up paint/finger paint on them, presumably from kids' activities. It makes sense since the playground was right next to us. Also nearby was a bunch of bamboo which made for a good backdrop for group photos. During our Saturday afternoon visit, I saw people playing beach volleyball and the pool(s) looked busy. The Farm is located east of UNC campus, not far from the Chapel Hill-Durham border. It's off 54, accessible via Barbee Chapel Rd, just past UNC Finley Golf Course. It's due south from the Rizzo Center (south side of 54).

The kiddie pool play structure area (toddler friendly) and pool (3 ft) are wonderful. They provide…read morearm floaties and kickboards to boot. The pools are indoor but they often have the roof partially open so there's shadier areas and other spots in direct sun. Always a lifeguard around and pretty relaxing for parents. The times are a bit limited but overall I've found sign up to be straight forward for the weekends and the play areas at least don't require sign up currently on the weekdays. The fitness classes tend to fill up fast, too, but is included and not at extra cost. I tried the Zumba one and it's meh because the teacher barely interacted with the class. The levels of experience in the room was pretty mixed. I do the punch card and am not a member, so I really only go if it's rainy TBH. However, they do have basic gym equipment so it's worthwhile with the pool access. They currently don't have a family membership so it can be pricey. But it does mean it's not as crowded as I first assumed it would be. So good COVID upkeep and crowd control when I've gone. Hoping they offer more class times or outdoor programs.

We feel so lucky to live near Morrisville Aquatics and Fitness Center. The center is well-equipped…read morewith treadmills, stationary bikes, weight training machines, as well as wonderful swimming pools. The facility also includes tennis and racquetball courts. I personally most enjoy the variety of exercise classes, from Yoga and Tai Chi to Low Impact Interval Training, Silver Sneakers, and my favorite, Senior Strong.

Oops! Excuse the spill ... but here's the tea!!…read more Location: 4/5 Parking: 4/5 Outside appearance: 3/5 Inside appearance: 4/5 Hospitality: 3/5 Food: N/A Price: 5/5 So finding this place was a gem! I come here a few times a week to work out and take fitness classes. Durham is truly helping those with all the programs offered at the recreational centers. Some classes are free and others have a small fee but everything f is within reason. There's a small gym, basketball court, computer lab, dance studio, and more! The staff at the front aren't always the friendliest but they're there if you need help. You'll have to specifically ask. I personally love the hip hop aerobics class that's offered ... FOR FREE! The instructor is energetic & personable. They have a field directly across & there's always some events/games going on weather permitting. Entering can be a bit tricky as one side is typically gated and you enter through the back & not the front which is street side. Check them out & try a class!