Dallas JCC — Local services in Dallas

Though the JCC offers much more than its fine athletic facility, I just go there to work out. I've been a member for more than four years, and they offer the best value in terms of convenience, service, and variety of exercise activities. it is difficult to overstate my high regard for their equipment, staff, and overall friendly, accommodating atmosphere.

To begin with, the J is a substantial upgrade in quality from strip mall operations like Planet Fitness and mainstream chains like 24 Hour and L.A. Fitness. The nearby Cooper Aerobics Center (heaven for runners) is considerably more expensive than the J and offers beautifully landscaped outdoor walking/running tracks (1/4-, 1/2-, and 1-mile) and locker room amenities that are superior to the J's. Unlike the J, the Aerobic Center has no indoor pool, no therapy pool, and no lifeguards. The Town North YMCA's outdoor pool is superior to that of the J, but the J's indoor pool is much better in many ways.

The Town North Y has no towel service, while the J offers free bath and workout towels. The J's add-on laundry service isn't perfect, but it comes with a free year-round locker. A worthwhile option if you work out frequently and don't care to pack and lug a gym bag. Cooper's Aerobics Center offers laundry service too and has an onsite spa, but get ready to pay a premium.

The J has very good security, and it is improving. The campus has only one point of entry, and a security guard is often keeping watch. Cameras in the hallways seem effective at curbing theft and misconduct. The Town North YMCA's campus is not fenced in, and they seem to have no security guards or cameras indoors. Theft is more of a problem at the Y than the J, as in bad guys breaking into locked lockers. The J having lower turnover of staff and members than the Y is also a solid plus.

A key reason I gave up my Town North Y membership to join the J is that the YMCA men's locker room's jacuzzi is not in a separate area. No, its heat, humidity, and chlorine stench are left to bubble into the air with the sometimes excessive heat coming from their rogue climate control zone. After showering, It is (or at least was) a contest to dress quickly enough without sweating big time. Also, the J has a sauna, steam room, and a therapy pool, but not the Y. And the Y offers no laundry service. Meanwhile the J and Y cost about the same. So I'm more than happy to...

This is primarly a Pickleball review. This facility has a lot of things to do in several buildings. Review Aaron Family CC - Dallas: Rating: 77* Review: 43 of 330 DPA REVIEW DATE/TIME: 1/23/2025 – 09:40 am Thursday. RATINGS: 77; Without Bonus: 70 Court Surface (includes: Spacing; lines; ceiling height; net. Lighting (includes glare) 95/100. Amenities: 20/25. Playing Environment: 30/35. Community& Culture: 19/40; Cost & Accessibility: Membership Fee; DI Fees; Accessibility; Hours of Operation: 62/100. Bonus Points: Unique Features; Technology; Vibes; Cleanliness; Pickleball Only; Greater than 4 Courts; Rest area; offices or classrooms; skill levels and players: (19/45) COURTS: (10) 4 outdoor and 6 indoor courts. LOCATION: 7900 Northaven Rd, Dallas, Tx 75230 Phone: (214)-739-2737 Website: https://www.jccdallas.org/programs/open-play Open Play: Fall Outdoor: 4 courts Mon-Thur: 7A – 8:45 A ; 3P – 5P Fr: 3-5P;Sat -Sun: 11:30A – 1:30P Fall Indoor Hours: Tues: 4P – 6:45P. (Donsky Basketball Court #1); Thur: 8A-11A and 4– 6:45P. (Donsky Basketball Court #1 ) Fri: 8:A -11A (Donsky Basketball Court #1 Sat: 2P – 6P. (Donsky Basketball Court #1) (3:30P - 6 P., Donsky #2) COST: non-mem DI $15; Mem: (18-29 Regist$25, Mn$64, Yr$768); 30-69(Reg$80, Mn$81; Yr $972. Age 70+(Reg$25; Mn$50; Yr $600; no commitment (All Ages Mn$121. Family a little more. PROS: 6 indoor and 4 outdoor courts; security CONS: No one playing during PB hours today. Cost DI: $15; Monthly Memberships NOTES ABOUT THIS VISIT: My first visit here was March 2023. That visit about 6 players were playing 2.7 – 3.3. This visit during pickleball hours no players. No one playing outdoors. *The DPA review was my own view, this was based on my visit at that particular time and day. The review might have been different on another day and/or time. Everyone has...

North Dallas is home to a driving competition that would put the Texas Motor Speedway and NASCAR to shame. The JCC and YMCA, on opposite ends of Northaven Road, compete daily to see who can attract the worst drivers. I think the JCC may be in the lead. I admit to exceeding the speed limit by a good 10-15 mph on this two lane residential street. However, I am still regularly passed by other cars headed to grab the last open exercise bike. Stop signs are merely a suggestion and it is acceptable to pass other cars at intersections as well. After all, there are only so many treadmills available at the gym. My all time favorite move, which is why JCC is in the lead, is the complete stop that some drivers make before turning right into the parking lot. This is generally performed by someone that has driven some small fraction of the speed limit for several miles and has a deep hatred of turn signals. This is especially aggravating as the JCC has expanded the width of the driveway. I'm certain someone could now safely navigate the turn at 60mph. Still, a complete stop seems to make many feel most comfortable. Thanks JCC and YMCA for finding some way to attract the absolute worst drivers in the world to your otherwise great facilities. Congrats to JCC for winning this competition. Not sure what to get you, but perhaps a trophy...