We recently cancelled our membership to this organization. It is unfortunately an organization that does not live up to what we expect out of the YMCA.
This YMCA is independent from any other YMCA in Wisconsin. In June of 2014 the board of directors for this Y took away voting rights for members. Additionally this YMCA recently reduced much of the member oversight on the board selection process. The result is an organization run by a few members of the community. And a membership that has little to no say in how "their" organization is run.
Over the last years this Y has offered less classes, less events and increased membership prices.
The wrestling program never meets at the Y. So if you think that you are going to drop your kid off at practice while you get a workout in you are mistaken. The same with basketball, T Ball and baseball. None are held near the facility.
This Y used to have campouts in the summer, running classes in the spring, zumba classes during the week, football skills program in the summer. All these are gone.
Free classes? Free reviews with personal trainers? Not here. If you want, the Y books out an hour over lunch for "free" pickup hoops or soccer. Every other class is going to cost you money, on top of your membership fee.
I would not advise getting a membership here. Go to 24 hour fitness for a workout. New equipment. Helpful staff. Have your kids attend the local Park and Rec sports programs. They offer great coaches, are much better attended by local kids, and offer a much greater value than this Y.
The facilities at this Y are not good. The curbs are all crumbling away in front of the preschool. Potholes are all over the parking lot. When it rains they put out buckets and towels to clean up the water from the leaky roof. In the winter the sidewalk in front of the main entrance heaves up almost 2 inches. The weight machines haven't been upgraded in years. The spinning bikes in the spinning "corner" are in constant need of maintenance. In the summer the gymnastics room smells so bad that they have to move classes out of it. The signage on the building is still sporting logos from years ago. The only thing that changes out in front is the fundraising signs.
This Y is always asking for money. Every fall they ask for funds. End of year they ask for funds. Spring? Summer? Yes, they want your money. If your kid does any program they will ask you to sell candy, butter braids, wrapping paper, gardening supplies, candles, or have a cook-out/concession stand fundraiser. That is in addition to the cost of a membership and the program fees.
Freeport isn't too far to drive if you must have the Y experience. Dane County, Janesville both have wonderful Y's.
Pass on the YMCA of Green County. read more
