This review isn't about the Kroc Center's values; it's about the process. Before submitting a rental request, I carefully read everything available on the website, the event booklet, and the FAQs. Because there were no photos or detailed descriptions of the event spaces, I stopped by in person to understand what would be possible. The front desk staff was kind and showed me around, and I found a room that felt like a great fit for a welcome gathering for the growing Working Families Party in Virginia. I submitted my request in late December. I expected things to move slowly because of the holidays, but when I hadn't heard back by January 5, I called to follow up. I was told my application had been received, everything looked good, and I received verbal confirmation that we could host the event pending one final approval. I followed up by email to confirm details and waited. After six days with no response, I followed up again by email. Two days later, I called and learned the Sales & Event Coordinator was out due to medical issues. That is completely understandable. However, since final approval was supposedly with someone above her, I didn't understand why no one else could give clarity. I even offered to share my contact information with the events director or whoever was responsible for final approval. Two days later, on a Friday afternoon, I received a call letting me know the event was not approved due to its political affiliation. I understand that not every organization allows political gatherings. What's frustrating is that this wasn't communicated upfront or handled quickly. Instead, I spent 21 days waiting for confirmation, only to be denied three weeks before my event, leaving me scrambling to find a new location for a Sunday afternoon gathering. If political events aren't allowed, that should be clearly stated on the website or addressed early in the review process. A simple, transparent policy would have saved me a lot of time and stress. read more

We absolutely loved our first trip to the Kroc Center. We saw they have open play volleyball for only $5 for non-members which can't be beat. The gym is really nice. I do wish they made it brighter or used brighter balls, but, overall, it was a great time. The staff and the other players were all very nice and welcoming throughout all of the games. The center itself looks really nice. Plenty of work out equipment, and the pool area looks like a blast. More like a waterpark! The front desk staff were very friendly and helpful thoughout our visit. The locker rooms are really nice, too. Very spacious center that seems to offer a lot for everyone. In the area? Check Them Out! read more

The Kroc Center Hampton Roads - Loved this Art! - Gyms Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

I may have to look for a new gym after today! After receiving a call from my physical therapist, who had canceled on me, I decided I was already up and could go for a swim. Swimming lanes were open with plenty of room. It's a little crowded but not terribly so. I go to the sauna after my swim and everything is still going great. It's been a good morning and I am so grateful for that. I take my fifteen minute shower and as I am sitting in the shower chair tending to my POST SURGICAL WOUND, I hear some older woman complaining to her friend that she "is waiting on that shower" and how I need to hurry up and how "I know she hears me"... Excuse me? First of all, there are numerous showers that have a handicap shower chair...and by the way, this woman was able bodied. Second, when you see me, I'm not wearing a brace around my ankle as a fashion statement. Third, have enough manners to wait your turn or use another facility. Older or not, having manners or being kind doesn't have an age limit! So we'll see if the staff handles this problem. I'm sincerely hoping so. read more

The Kroc Center Hampton Roads - Saw this sign multiple times throughout the summer - Gyms Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

This review is for their fitness center. Kroc Community Center's fitness center is pretty good! It's conveniently located just 5 minute drive from where I live. There's a huge parking lot, so there's no shortage of parking space. Inside the fitness area, you'll find a basketball gymnasium with rock climbing wall, a few Air Runner "treadmills", a cardio section with treadmills, ellipticals, bikes and 2 stairmasters, a weight lifting section with plenty of free weights and dumb bells and several chest press and squat stations. Also, they have an abundance of machines for different workouts too. There's a help desk when you have questions or there's no more sanitizer wipes at a station; just let them know and they'll promptly refill it. They also have a swimming pool and a mini kiddie water park too! There's lifeguards on duty pretty much every day, swimming classes, and specific times for free swimming; though they recommend you reserve a swimming lane on their website first. Same thing goes for the basketball gym; best to reserve ahead of time. I really like how there's really no crazy heavy lifters who walk around bare chested flexing in front of the mirror after every set. The gym maintains a strict policy; no shirt, no mask, no workout! For covid, I think the staff is pretty attentive. There's usually always sanitizer wipes at every station throughout the gym, and you see cleaning staff walking around wiping down stations and wiping down frequently touched surfaces. From what I've seen, all the staff and most gym-goers all adhere to the mask requirement. Membership prices vary; with my military discount, I pay just under $40/month which is competitive with other gyms. I would recommend Kroc Center to those looking for a neighborhood gym with an overall friendly and non-judgmental environment. read more

Just joined! Great facility and super friendly staff. The fitness area is very clean and well equipped. The locker room could be cleaner and the sauna is definitely not hot enough. You should have a sauna at 150-195 degrees Fahrenheit and it is barely 100. I hope they will adjust this soon and then they would be a 5 star facility. read more

If you have an important occasion to celebrate, I don't recommend this venue. I found it nearly impossible to finalize the event and ultimately had to cancel. After planning a birthday party at this facility three months in advance, paying the deposit, and attempting to communicate with staff on various occasions to finalize the details, I ultimately had to cancel the child's birthday party at the last minute and find another venue in under a week. I sent multiple emails and made many phone calls and did not receive a response. When I did hear from their staff, it was a call about my balance for the birthday party being late, but I had not received any deadlines, an invoice or other instructions. Even after the lull in communication, I still attempted to have the birthday party at the Kroc Center because my child was really excited about having a pool party there. After communicating the final count and asking more questions, I experienced another lull in communication that spanned about 4 days at which time I ultimately decided to find another venue because I didn't want my child to be without a party! The next communication that I received was a receipt for a final payment. My credit card had been charged without any communication with me. The amount of the charge was also incorrect because they never confirmed the final count for the party. It was not until I canceled the birthday party and requested a refund for both my deposit and the final charge on my credit card that I received consistent communication and an apology. Fortunately I was able to find another venue, but this lack of communication when trying to plan a child's birthday party or any other special occasion can be detrimental. After sharing my experience with others, I learned that many people have had similar issues with communication and had to select a different venue. read more

Waiting for a return call from a call to Capt. who is in charge of the Pool. I was at the facility and the schedule reads that it's Lap Swim from 1- 5. To me that means a lap lane is available for me to utilize. Well, low and behold, there wasn't a lap lane set up. Hmm. I ask the lifeguard who is at the bottom of the big slide and she advises me that they would accomodate just hadn't done it yet. Then the Sr. Lifeguard comes out and I look at her and she advises me that they will not set up a lap lane for me because the majority of people in the pool are families. Hmm. I pay the same fee and there is only need for one lane to accomodate lap swimmers and I'm being denied. Although on their schedule it says it's available. It seems that they make their own decisions instead of doing what's on the schedule. May have to look for another place for my health because swimming is needed for my asthma and back to help me stay healthy. Pretty sad, no call back, then again, it was 4th of July week so, lets see what next week brings. ELG. 0 Stars. read more

After being a member of the Kroc center on and off for 7 years I have unfortunately had to cancel my membership for the last time. There are so many people and staff members I love at the Kroc center but at the end of the day they need a major overhaul in management. They have a beautiful facility and pool but the pool is rarely open and the pool staff acts like they are paid to hate their jobs. They offer child care while you work out but they can't seem to really get it together there. They cut off the age limit at 7 and make the 7 year olds go in the teen room and that is not open until 4, sometimes it is difficult to find where a staff member is at that time. I have had SEVERAL staff members speak poorly to me and when I've taken it to higher management it has fallen upon deaf ears despite me trying to work through and solve the issues. It has honestly made me quite uncomfortable to even enter the facility. The 1 thing the Kroc has going for it is their gym. The fitness management actually CARES about the community, the members of the gym and the youth. If his philosophies could be broadcasted to the entire facility things would be a lot better. I just don't see how treating your paying members poorly then having a popcorn social to show them you care really pans out. I've tried long enough with the Kroc center I'll find somewhere else that appreciates my hard earned money. read more

This place is great...Some of young people in community and used the facility now work at the center...Gym is nice weight room nice everything is nice...Most of the worker have a good attitude... read more

The full name of this venue is: Kroc Center Hampton Roads I love it here!! It's huge but very effective for all...girls, boys, men and women!! The Salvation Army tranforms lives through educational, creative arts, recreational and spiritual activites and they definitely checked them all when they had this center in mind. In one visit here, you can swim, play games, play basketball, rock climb, etc. I could go on, but you just have to come here. This center is more than a recreation center, you could easily spend hours here alone or as a family. There is always something going on so definitely keep up with them on social media and check out their website. They have state of the art fitness equipment. Plenty of space and they make great usage of it. TV's everywhere! Their pool is family friendly. It's like an indoor waterpark...much larger than a pool. More like Ocean Breeze, but the indoor version. I believe the deepest end is 6 feet... and this is where the tube slide is located. There is a toddler area as well. They do not allow patrons to walk around the perimeter in plain clothes for safety measures of course. There is always at least 2 lifeguards, but I believe more are on duty. The staff is attentive and willing to assist. Also when you walk in of course you immediately see the front desk, but if you want access to the fitness area and pool, access must be granted. Therefore, you cannot just walk in without a pass. I do like this security feature. The locker rooms are well kept as well. The landscaping is beautiful as well! There is also a snack bar on site. Group fitness classes are offered. And creative art classes as well. It's just a lot going on here. I happened to attend last week for a free pool saftey day for children 5-12 years old. This event was well organized and my 8 year old definitely enjoyed her time. From 12-2pm the children learned about pool safety and went through 3 stations in the pool to get hands on experience. As a parent watching, I was super impressed by the professionalism shown by all the staff. And the staff ranges from ages 18-40+... I love the diversity! Great job Kroc Center! I am looking forward to coming back again and again. Membership is needed to gain access, however, day passes are available and the center hosts a number of free events. Therefore, keep a close eye on their media outlets. This is definitely a happening place for Norfolk, VA. Ample parking, about a 10 minute walk from the light rail. No excuse not to visit here. See you soon...have fun :) read more

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Love the venue how lucky this community is to have such a great facility. Parking can be tight but you can always find a spot. I live a good distance from the site and come exclusively for the theater productions. read more

I play rec volleyball here on Thursday nights and had never been until then. It's fabulous! It's so nice! The gymnasium where we play volleyball is huge - with dividers like my college courts where multiple things can be ongoing at the same time - our volleyball games, Zumba, basketball, etc. There is a large workout area with tons of nice new equipment for members, a huge "water park" pool area with slides, foundations, pools for swimming and fun, etc. It's really nice. There are lots of lockers and locker rooms with showers and such. I haven't even explored the entire space because, as a non-member I don't really have access to everything, but it's nice. There is a ton of parking, everything is brand new and well-kept, a reception is up front to make sure everyone is legit who is incoming, and there is a snack bar area that sells food and has tables in the front entry too. Love it! What a great addition to this area. read more

I am very displeased with the KROC Center. Their leadership is unresponsive and inattentive. This is important if you ever need them for follow up to anything so think twice before committing financially! It took me over 2 weeks to receive an acknowledgment from leadership! That is a clear sign that they don't value their customers. read more

Aquatic exercise classes. Right now I'm having trouble registering for classes for Thursday, June 8 at 10am.

I really love this place. The staff is wonderful, the equipment is very modern and up to date. I typically like to come early in the morning when I have just about all the machines to myself but it never really TOO CROWDED no.matter what time I decide to come and workout!!! ALL CLASSES are included with your monthly membership as well. They also have a heated indoor pool that stays open all year round and a daycare area if you have any children that could potentially interfere with you getting the best workout possible!!! They provide snacks for the little ones too. Very family oriented facility!! read more

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This place is not family oriented. They absolutely do not care if you have young children and what it takes to care for little ones. The workers at the pool and the membership guy are Aholes. I have two toddlers and thought it would be fun for them to swim in the pool so I paid the initiation and the monthly fee and ended up quitting 1 week later. Each time I took my kids and let them swim with the arm floaties, the guard has hard eyes on you to scream anything "you need to be on your child!" when he was happily swimming 2-3ft from me in floaties, my attention is never off my kids " your kid can't stand there without you!" he was done with the pool and I took his sister for a last walk around the lazy river, while keeping an eye on him. They constantly watch you to scream whatever comes to their head. . The icing is when this rude, poorly-trained Caucasian lady stalked me into the the final minutes of swim time and pounce on me with "someone said you told your kid it was okay to pee in the pool" then proceeded with "you're not about to change her here?!" NO bitch I'm wiping them off with the towel and getting out of here. Where's the courteous service to say: "can I open a locker room for you?". Nope, not here. Also for the record you wicked hag my kids wear swim diapers if you open your eyes and shut your ignorant mouth you would see. . Back to membership guy, I left multiple daily voicemail messages and emails because I did not want to step back in that building, to cancel the membership over the phone. Never heard a peep back. After a week of being ignored, I did go back to sign a paper. In the end they kept all my money, never received a call/acknowledgement/apology. This place is absolute crap. They only want your money.. we are a military family. what if my family had moved, imagine being ignored with zero intent from management to even give a simple return call. It's no fun for young families. Go support the YMCA. Kroc, Next time you see a mom with young kids, try to feel some empathy and definitely not say those things in front of young children. They are impressionable little beings and I'm so glad I got them out of this toxic environment. Not okay at all. You people should be ashamed of yourselves read more

The Kroc is a family friendly facility! My son started swim classes today, my mom does her regular cardio workout but there really is something for everyone there!!!! read more

I went there today(2/16 @ 4:00 PM) to join. I had a few questions and the woman behind the counter could not have been more bothered with my inquires. I was a burden. There wasn't a line, I was the only one at the counter and yet this woman struggled to show a modicum of common courtesy. I didn't join. read more

This is a fun place for families to hang out. We opted to focus on swim for this visit. The pool temperature is warm with plenty of Life Guards on staff. The pool area is very exciting and everyone is respectful of each other's spaces. Being a member, I do get frustrated when no towels are available for use. Overall, it's a great place and the gentleman at customer service is always highly efficient and pleasant. read more

I joined the Kroc Center of Hampton Roads due to the availability of classes for more interaction when working out. I went to Planet Fitness prior but there you are left to your own devices which gets boring. There area few different classes available, though most of them are dancing style cardio or cycling. I enjoy the classes a lot, and the staff are mostly helpful, friendly, and polite. The cafe is nice, but honestly they need to come up with healthier options, this is a GYM for most people and it kind of defeats the purpose of working out to then walk out past that delicious smelling foods that aren't all that healthy! Hint hint! The place is usually spotless, thought the fitness rooms upstairs could use a better daily cleaning. I only notice this when taking classes that you get down on the floor and there's always loose hair, and stuff floating around the floor level. But I am a neat knick so take that with a grain of salt. The bathroom/locker rooms have always been spotless everytime I have gone, and I love the sauna. Great to sit in there and sweat out the toxins. Some of the instructors are frikkin awesome to say the least, and they help keep you motivated and know just how much to push you without over doing it. read more

Beautiful facility! The center has a humongous pool with lanes, slides, a lazy river and even a splash pad kids area. The workout area has everything you could want. Indoor running track, free weights, cardio, group fitness classes and even classes in the pool. Everything in this place looks well planned and beautifully done. They will even work with you on membership prices. What a fantastic community resource. I have yet to check out the community side but I'm sure it's just as lovely. read more

I've volunteered here a few times, and I love how rewarding the programs are. They really go all out to give back to the community. I've participated in the fall program with the petting zoo and bounce houses, as well as, the coat drive. Also, they are very appreciative of their volunteers and have award ceremonies. I'll continue to donate and volunteer here! read more

I have lots of students who come here with their families. Their swimming pool is spectacular. Lots of fun for the kids! They have a large, open cardio area. Very clean and modern. Friendly staff. Great asset to this community. They need more facilities like this in urban areas. It gives the community a sense of hope and provides them with awesome opportunities. I often recommend them to my students' parents for their free workshops. My purpose for visiting this facility is to pick up pamphlets and flyers to share. Today, my purpose was to obtain summer program information. Their family membership fee is a bit steep for having only one facility in the area. However, they do offer scholarships for low-income residents. I will stick with my YMCA membership. I have to be able to visit facilities in multiple locations because this chic gets around town! Yet, they will always have me as a sponsor and supporter of their educational programs. I will also continue to encourage people to make donations here. I'm very pleased with their visibility and the services they provide in our community. read more

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I have had nothing short of great experiences here. My husband and I enjoy the time we get to work out comfortably here and our little one loves the child watch and the indoor water park! read more

Great family attire gym. We enjoy it every time we attend. Day care is phenomenal even the staffs are very nice.

If you wanna get kicked out while working out 20 minutes before they even close go here. Overall great place other than the staff and hours... closing at 8:45 at night???? read more

With the holiday season approaching what better way to get there with the help of Christmas at the Kroc. Family oriented and welcomed anyone who enjoys hot chocolate on a cold day. My kids and I were guests but that didn't stop the fun activities that was age appropriate for all. You must be early as it got crowded in a short period of time. Best way to enjoy a free Saturday with the family. read more

This is a great place for families and for most people. I been going here with my family in a month and I love the water zumbas on land zumbas. I highly recommend this place for people who need day care a church home and many classes a available for you. Join now and have fun. The pool is amazing as well. read more

My wife and I took our one-year-old to this facility for the first time today. Up until today, we had never heard about this place. What a gem this establishment is when you have a child who enjoys being outside, and it's now the winter time. The employees, and staff were very attentive, professional, and just overall nice people. The day pass was very affordable, and we had a blast in the waterpark. The facilities were well-maintained, very clean, and professionally taken care of. I would highly recommend this to any family in the area. read more

One visit I had a terrible time. a life guard, red hair named carol or something... so rude couldn't assist me with any questions I had. She didn't watch the pool was on her phone constantly. I will not return because of this horrible employee she is a waste or space and life. read more

My child used to go here for swimming lessons on Sat. Recently I was here for a work conference and most of my colleagues had never been inside. I told them how great it was especially the pool area. We went on our break to go see the pool area from a window area that is close to the front desk. I stopped by the front desk to let them know we were just looking to see how great the facility and we're here for a conference was in case they wanted to bring their kids. We went to the pool window saw it for less than two minutes all while the front desk staff could see us through the glass doors. When we came out the same front desk lady pulled me to the side and said to not take anyone back there again because you have to pay to open go behind the glass door entrance. This is ridiculous first because we were in a conference in the same building and I notified her what was going to happen. If there was a problem she should have said something or sent someone to take us behind the door. She did not. Instead she said nothing and when we came out she said no one can go pass the doors unless they pay. Now how are you expecting people to pay for something they can't see and we only went in about 10-15 feet into hall to look through the window. This place charges almost 100 dollars or more a month for a membership. I will never take my child here again since my patronage is not welcomed and I also never encourage my co workers or affiliates to use the facility any longer read more