South Side YMCA — Attraction in Hyde Park Township

We had the Gala Opening of the Chicago Hyde Park Village here on Saturday, November 22, 2014. The official hours for the event were from 2-5, but we occupied the whole Community Room spaces for longer than that. We had a program with the Chicago Children's Choir and a local expert on global aging (Ted Fishman), plus a reception; 150+ attended. This is a wonderful venue for community meetings, celebrations and such -- and we have researched many options! The space is wonderful: newly renovated, fully accessible, flexible (we could have used 1/4 or 1/2 of the space, but we needed the whole area), bathrooms are modern, there is a large parking lot, and several busses serve the convenient location. Even more important, the staff are wonderful! We began our planning with them in August. My personal experiences with the staff as I go 2-3 times/week to swim have all been warm and welcoming; planning a major Event is a different challenge -- partly because any community event involves many different individuals planning different segments of the event; that is much more complex than planning a party where one person can be responsible. The staff have been very supportive, helpful, and -- in the final days -- totally facilitating.

At this point I'm doing 4 stars because: it would be helpful to have more consistency in the representative working with us on the details and execution of the event; it would be very helpful for the Y to have an audio/speaker system available on the premises (we brought in our own, and I'm willing to work to get donations for one for the future); and it would be wonderful to have kitchen facilities. However, we brought in food, decorations, sound, etc and we think this will become a great Destination for future south side...

I’ve been a member of the south side YMCA on and off (mostly on)since 2008. On Wednesday 4/3 a Senior and I were late leaving because we lost track of time in the steam room. I dressed quickly but the seniors needed assistance. She was using a cane and moving slowly. I was trying to assist her. Chasity came into the locker room and was visibly upset because we were still there. She stated she’s getting calls from her boss because of this. It was approximately 10:15-10:30pm. The senior apologize several time and was trying to move quickly. I assisted with carrying her bags to help. Chasity was to upset to care or notice the Seniors health and mobility issues. Once we made it out the door Chasity left and I continued to assist the Senior to her car. When I returned to the Gym the next couple of days it was a little awkward at the front desk entry but I attempted to avoid it. Today I was leaving with another member at 9:30ish and a guy sitting with 2 women at the front desk said “the hoodlums are leaving earlier today’ and the 2 lady’s laughed. I turned around and asked him who was he addressing as hoodlums. He said it was a joke, I said it’s not funny and you don’t know me to joke with me. The ladies were silent. I don’t know if I want to return as the staff is becoming...

I signed my son up for the yba. I spoke with coach Darryl arrington (DJ), and I told him, my son was a beginner and delayed. At the time he assured me, that that was fine and all are welcome. I guess that was just a ploy to have me pay 150.00 right away. The program States" learning fundamentals. My son had been practicing with the team and I was told that all children would be accepted. They are not playing for scholarships, they play each other, for sport. Well I was called in the office by DJ and my son's coach, coach Ali. I was told that this was not the program, for him and he should leave. DJ words were "we don't need anyone messing things up" when I called him on it, he tried to rephrase it but the damage was done. Coach Ali just sat in silence. Long story short. Just because my son, didn't live up to there standards, they just tossed him out. I had to fight back tears to tell my son, they let him go, and it crushed him and he was devastated. He kept asking, what did he do wrong. If you are looking for a place, to teach your child sportsmanship or just to help with their confidence. This is not the place. You are just a number or a dollar sign to them. We will never step foot in the South...