Northwest YMCA of Austin

★Cornelia Amiri

I had a disappointing, noninclusive experience at this YMCA, a non-proffit Christian Association. I came in to inquire about membership and financial assistance programs. After waiting in line, an employee began helping me but could not locate my insurance membership number. I stepped aside to make a phone call and obtain the information she requested. When I returned, I waited in line again behind the other customers. When it was my turn, the same employee acknowledged me but then stopped assisting me and began helping other people instead. I continued waiting while numerous other customers were served ahead of me. At one point, another employee became available and called for the next person. I started to go to her station since I had already been waiting, but I was told to keep waiting because the first employee would eventually return to helping me. As a disabled person, standing for long periods is difficult. Having to continue waiting while many others were helped ahead of me was frustrating, exhausting, and felt very disrespectful. I was also disappointed by the information I received about financial assistance. My income is approximately $1,300 per month, which places me at or near the poverty level. I was told that financial assistance is available only for memberships and not for individual programs such as swimming. I was further told that the lowest membership rate available for someone in the lowest income category was approximately $35 per month. What concerns me is that this YMCA describes itself as a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health and well-being for people of all ages and backgrounds. Yet the assistance available appears limited for people living on very low incomes, seniors, and people with disabilities. It was difficult to see how someone surviving on a fixed income could realistically afford the programs. I also asked to speak with someone in management regarding these concerns. I was told the membership director would be unavailable for approximately two weeks, and there was no way to leave a message. I was also unable to reach the executive director or another senior manager because they were reportedly unavailable as well. I understand that every organization must set its own policies. However, I left feeling that the customer service I received, the lack of access to management, and the limited financial assistance options were inconsistent with the YMCA's stated values of caring, respect, responsibility, and providing opportunities for all people with dignity. I hope management reviews both its customer service practices and its financial assistance policies so that low-income, elderly, and disabled members of the community feel genuinely welcomed and supported. Currently thier statement on their website - Guided by our core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility, the Y is dedicated to giving people of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity. - is completely untrue per my experience.

★★★Judith Sloan-Price

If I were to only rate the classes, it would be five star easily. The body balance class with Leanne and the workout class with Michelle are terrific and I don’t like doing exercise classes so that says something. I’m also an avid Pickelball player and used to love the Pickelball program at this location. The introduction of Pickelball Den, a reservation only system , has created a lot of problems so I don’t play there as often as I did. However, Julia and Adrianne have been dedicated to try and make the system work better and they have had some significant success. I would rate the Picklball program a three because of the constraints of the reservation system. Another positive addition is the hiring of a new Pickelball instructor. This is a huge improvement as beginners who take the class will be able to join play already knowing the basic elements of the game. I also took the intermediate class and I benefited from it.

★★★★★Mary Dunlap

I absolutely treasure my Y membership and the staff at this location. I have an amazing personal trainer who is helping me achieve my goals. The pickleball community is fantastic. There were a few bumps with the new reservation system but the Y staff were responsive to our needs and we now have a hybrid system which is great. I can reserve a spot for level play and get a great cardio workout in. The open play option is nice for connecting with friends and maintaining community while also getting some good games in. Thank you Northwest Y!

★Nerd

The sauna at this gym is practically never available. It was closed for an entire month for “repairs,” reopened briefly, and then broke again within just two days. Now it’s closed yet again. This has been frustrating and unacceptable. Sauna access is part of what members pay for, and the repeated breakdowns show a lack of proper maintenance and long-term solutions. If this amenity can’t be reliably provided, members deserve transparency and compensation, not constant temporary fixes and excuses.

★★★★Josh

Large gym facility including aquatics, classes, and workout gear not far from the intersection of McNeil and Parmer. It features a large outdoor water park for kids and inside a lap pool, a kids pool, hot tub, and sauna. It has two courts for basketball or pickle ball depending on the evening. There is a large weight room with many machines, treadmills, stair climbers, rowing machines, etc. It also has a renovated kids area, a coffee area, and hosts family events. There is a large free parking lot next to the facility.