Sonoma County Family YMCA — Attraction in Santa Rosa

It's a small facility but they make great use of the space. There are couches in and around the Y for lounging, two pools (one small, heated & one large, unheated), a sauna, an upstairs gym with a balcony you can go out on, a classroom with wall mirrors, a conference room that is open to the members when not in use, a small cardio room with just a few machines, a basketball court and a childwatch area (indoors and outdoors). The atmosphere is great, it feels encouraging and definitely not like a meat show that you get from other gyms. The members run the gamut in terms of demographics. You'll see all ages there. They constantly have events and classes to keep things interesting (many family friendly!). And best of all, it's extremely affordable. They even offer financial aid. They are expanding to a new building so they are only going to get bigger and better. I will say, the upstairs gym is a tight fit but they try to make the most of it by rearranging, changing the equipment and listening to member feedback about what's best. They try to keep members happy and I appreciate that! All in all, great value for...

Aquatic Director Chad has admitted, unfortunately, that since Covid, The YMCA has not been able to retain Certified Swim Instructors for ANY of their program sessions. I called inquiring about their lessons for my 18mo infant. I wanted to do my due diligence in searching for a safe environment for her and asked about their screening of staff which he said they do. But it was like pulling teeth to ask Chad if the instructor for infants was male, female, older, younger, and he belittled me stating it was weird to be asking such questions. It was almost deliberate that he avoided answering basic demographic questions about a good match for our baby. Anyway, none of these factors are discrimination based and a Public Instruction Center should be more transparent about their professionals working there. The BIGGEST and SHOCKING point to make is that, as of today's review, NONE of the swim Instructors are certified, either to give proper instruction, or even life guard certified. Nope! Great Job Director...

Been going here for about a year and been very happy with it. It's not as well polished and fancy looking as other gyms but is has all the same equipment, at a way better cost, and that's all you need, isn't it.

Also has an indoor heated pool with a smaller, even warmer, pool that is perfect for little ones. Pool schedule is kinda crowded, so make sure to check the times before going.

I've never done any classes, so I can't speak on the quality of those.

Childcare is good. Well stocked with toys both indoors and outside. Our two year old goes running to the childcare area every time, so it's clear he likes it there.

My one complaint about childcare is that some of the younger girls seem a little insecure and do not greet parents at drop off and pick up. Overall the whole drop off and pick up seems not overly strictly supervised, compared to other gyms I've belonged to, so I guess that could make more paranoid parents feel uneasy about the...