Andrew & Walter Young Family YMCA — Local services in Atlanta

It's a shame we cannot uphold the same standard of quality in our own communities. The Andrew & Walter Young YMCA never ceases to disappoint me with every visit through my membership. I joined the YMCA and cancelled competing memberships under the pretence the Play Center was open as marketed on the website. The Play center at this location has now been closed since 2020 with no provisions or accommodations for it's local members.

After making my own provisions and limiting my workout to the track so I may push the baby stroller while I walk around the track, I was recently informed that this was no longer acceptable. I have been walking the track while pushing my baby stroller for the past 6 months at several different YMCAs with no recourse.

In addition, the check-in staff is consistently rude.

1. You're never greeted when entering,
2. only one of the checkin systems is up and running at a given time,
3. You're nearly reprimanded for attempting to check-in through the second system, and
4. it's practically impossible to obtain information about the Head Start program without taking several days off of work to inquire in-person

All-in-all, I challenge us (SW Atlanta) to do better at upholding the same quality of standards within our own community facility as does other YMCA communities, like the Carl E. Sanders, East Lake, Decatur, and Village at Carver locations. It's a shame I have to dodge the YMCA closest to me to essentially use my membership to refrain from being frustrated by the poor service, lack of compassion for members, and inexcusable...

The one star is not for any reason except that something has happened to this once beloved place. It started when long time jewel of an employee, Carita Jackson was moved. She was a diamond and one of the kindest people I have ever met. I joined this YMCA a year after moving to Atlanta and losing my long time job. I was depressed and needed an outlet. When I joined this Y in April 2009, I was greeted as if they had known me all their lives. Everyone was extremely kind. From the top down. Kind and always addressed me by my name. Devon and Jamie Magee, Blanche Payne, Carita and others. The first sign of something not right is when Carita was suddenly gone. I later found out that she was sent to another Y. She should’ve been promoted to the top spot. Why wasn’t she? She ran the place. Her and Devon. COVID hit and the place shutdown for 2 months. I couldn’t wait for it to reopen. I was there with bells on but what I came back to was awful. The place is dead as a door nail. And the restrictions are unreal. I understand the need but you are going overboard. Then I find out that Devon and Jamie are gone. What is happening? Whoever is running the Y needs to search deep within themselves, humble yourself and bring back the reason why many of us enjoyed this location: the long time staff. Don’t ruin the reputation of this great place. Lauren Koontz. I hope you see...

My usual YMCA is the East Lake location, however, I like visiting different locations in Metro Atlanta and Feb. 1 was my first time visiting the Andrew and Walter Young location. I wish I would've come sooner because my heart was so full just being there!

I came for a 9am spin class but did a little tour prior to check out the facilities and equipment. I loved the murals, the basketball court and track above is by far the nicest I've seen, and I loved seeing so many young people gathered doing whatever they were doing in one of the classrooms and the youth basketball going on at the time. I was also impressed by the variety of workout equipment including some unique weightlifting equipment (lateral raises, etc) that I haven't seen at any other location.

Visiting this location reminded me why I love working out at the Y -- being surrounded by community, young and old, and especially being surrounded by people who look like me and have many things in common with my background. Everyone was so warm and inviting from the ladies working up front, to the staff helping me find the locker rooms and sauna, to the kind and encouraging spin instructor who had awesome music and led an excellent workout.

I will definitely come to this...