The Y in Catonsville — Local services in Catonsville

Be careful when using the women’s locker room . 9/15/2025 7 pm Caucasian lady with purple shirt (I was told was one of the managers for the night) I believe her name was “ Jess or Jessica “. While Jessica was being a weirdo stalker, she exposed that it’s another hidden entrance in the ladies locker room. (If that’s normal and everyone knows about the entrance , that shows you I knew nothing about it because I don’t go all the way in the back near the lockers ) I went in to the entrance of the women locker room near the weight scale and mirror to weigh myself , take some pictures and just to admire myself. Here comes Jessica a few moments later. She seemed surprised to see me at the entrance , she spoke and went by. Her energy was off then I noticed that she didn’t use the bathroom or anything, she just walked back near the toilet area, stood there for a couple seconds and left out back through the entrance. As I continued to hang out near the weight scale while using my phone, about 5 minutes later Jessica appears again walking from the shower area now. Which is very strange because she never came back through the entrance because that’s where I was. Her jealousy made her expose something more important. The fact you are hoping to catch me stealing maybe ? Even though I did not have a purse or bag and I was nowhere near the lockers. My mother had had YMCA membership for over 15 years , never had any issues , late payments or flags. I also have my own nationwide account now for about 4 years. So the audacity for her to want to bother and watch someone who don’t cause any problems or have late payments. Why is there a secret entrance in the ladies locker room?!?!? Ladies locker room is next to the men’s locker room . The cameras should be able to see everyone going in and out of the locker rooms at all times through the same entrance they came out from. Who else has access to this entrance ? Is this the reason that YMCA doesn’t want to be held accountable and liable for theft , injuries and etc. Very strange , weird, creepy and suspicious. YMCA in different states really are more better than Maryland’s however I’m looking in to other nationwide gym memberships that offer more amenities, that actually takes pride in cleaning/sanitizing , that doesn’t stalk you all because they feel a way and don’t recognize you, and that doesn’t have secret entrance in the ladies locker room. Which raises concerns about the children’s locker room. I’ve been questioned the morals of YMCA however this put the icing...

UPDATE Jan. 2025 - I hate complaining, but as a gym member, I expect very basic things like clean bathrooms and heat in the winter. This Y has gone completely downhill over the last year. The women’s changing room has been without heat SINCE THANKSGIVING, in the middle of winter with no space heaters provided. Dirt and mildew all across the floors and lockers, and it’s clear that they’re not routinely cleaned. The accessible shower is missing half the screws and is not secure; I’m worried for elderly members or those who have disabilities, as this is totally unsafe. Where are our membership dollars going?!

I was staying here for the water aerobics classes, but am 99% sure I’m going to cancel it and switch to Merritt Club. Do better Y! A year ago, I became a Y member specifically to utilize the pool. This is now the second time this week alone that the pool has been closed “due to weather conditions” despite the fact that: 1.There was no lighting/thunder at the time, 2. There were no closure announcements/notices on the Y website, swim schedule, or social media, and 3. The pool schedule had no cancellation notices.

Today, July 1, at 3:30 p.m., I arrived to do lap swim (which was on the schedule and not noted as canceled). After I had changed and walked over, the door was locked and the pool was empty. When I went out to ask a staff member about the closure, I saw a sign that said “The pool is closed due to weather conditions,” despite the fact there had been no lighting/severe weather today. After asking a staff member, I was told there are no lifeguards, so the pool is closed for the rest of the day.

I understand that the Y is experiencing staffing shortages. I would 100% understand if the Y has to enact limited swim hours due to a lack of available lifeguards. However, I believe the Y should better communicate these closures by keeping their website up to date on cancellations or hour changes. Y memberships can be pricy, and for the amount I’m paying solely to use the pool, I wish closures were better communicated.

I’m very appreciative of the Y and its staff but also want to communicate this issue as I am not the only member...

I recently deleted a 4-star review I had left for the Y in Catonsville, and after my most recent experience, I feel a 3-star review is more accurate — specifically due to our experience with the Stay & Play area.

On February 28th, 2025, my 2-year-old son was asked to clean up, and when he refused, he ended up hitting one of the staff members. I want to be clear — I do not condone this behavior, and as a mom, I understand it’s not okay for my child to hit others, just as I wouldn’t want anyone hitting him. I take full responsibility for my son’s actions and would have gladly worked with the staff to correct the situation.

However, the way the staff handled the situation with me was very disappointing. When they told me what happened, they were extremely rude and unprofessional. I tried to speak with a manager about it, but that conversation felt hopeless — there was no effort to communicate or find common ground. This was especially upsetting because until now, my communication with the staff had always been positive, and we had a good understanding.

It’s also worth mentioning that my family doesn’t attend the Y every day — there have been months where we haven’t attended at all. Regardless, we have consistently donated to the Y to help support its programs and to continue enjoying our time there.

Overall, I’m very disappointed with how this situation was handled. I expected more understanding, communication, and professionalism from an organization that promotes community and...