The Rec Complex of Fairview Heights — Local services in Fairview Heights

Great facility overall, but as a new "business," naturally there is a ton of room for growth, especially in the area of youth programming, advertising, and member discounts. Having moved from the local/regional YMCA, we were accustomed to (and recommended to Rec member recruiters) programs such as "School's Out!" which was a HUGE bonus for working parents because it was essentially a day camp program for school aged kids with working parents on days when schools close (Pulaski day, teacher inservice days, spring break etc.). The Rec offered such a program in their catalog, but it was mis-represented and is actually a very poorly designed non-member recruitment push. It isn't a program for children and has no real benefit to parents as labeled in the catalog. Management didn't take member feedback seriously or professionally, although front desk staff did, because they're experienced in both customer satisfaction and communication. The program catalog does not provide registration details, cut-off date, or information regarding communication regarding classes being cancelled due to little or no enrollment, and assumes members get details via social media. There also seems to be very limited and almost hostile communication between Parks and Rec staff, front desk staff, and area/zone management within the facility. This was communicated to me by more than one staff member in different departments. Despite the registration date having passed, I was able to enroll our daughter in a swimming class, however she was not on any roster. When an unforeseen scheduling conflict occurred, I called The Rec immediately and no one could tell me if we could hit another time slot on that day or make up the class later in the week. Instead, I was told to call on Monday when P&R staff would be available. This wouldn't have happened at the Y because there is cross-communication between departments, and typically anyone who answers the phone can assist pretty quickly. Although more geographically convenient to us, this is definitely not the Y (and we had access in MO and IL) with regard to customer service, and there is a lot of room for growth. Having said that, they're new and this was a huge undertaking. They have a lot to learn and will hopefully grow. There are amazingly successful local models they could try to replicate as they push for memberships. For now, for us, it's a beautiful and clean facility with wonderful equipment and...

I really wanted to love this place, but I am so upset with how they handle situations with foster families. It may very well be different for members, but since the onset of COVID we have not chosen to maintain a membership at any kind of a gym. We did however sign our two bio kids up for swim lessons there. Well our family went from 2 to 4 kiddos pretty quickly, but to be fair to my bio kiddos I didn't want to cancel swim lessons. Unfortunately I will have to do so if they even allow it. I wanted to bring my new 4 year old foster son to play in the splash pad area while my other sons did their lesson. I called to find out the protocol. They said I would have to purchase a day pass. Even though it was only going to be for 40 minutes, and even though the splash pad isn't even on during swim lessons, I said okay. They said it was going to be $10. I asked if they had discounts for foster children, like a lot of places do, but they do not. That's fine. $10 a week is doable. They just told me that I have to stand in the water with him, but it's not very deep so I can just roll up my pants since I didn't bring a swimsuit, fine. I'll note that I also have a 3-month-old foster son, but sure, I can hold him and stand in the water in my pants. So then I arrive at the Rec Plex and then they throw it at me that I have to pay $15 for a day pass for myself. Even though I am already paying for expensive swim lessons, I have to pay $10 for my foster son, and $15 for me to stand in the water in my clothes supervising him. So now that's up to $25 per week. The one "nice thing" they did for me is say they were not going to charge me for my 3-month-old infant who cannot get in the water... Isn't that special?! They said it like this was some sort of treat. I understand that they are probably hurting due to the pandemic, but is it really fair to charge people in this way? Especially foster families who are trying to help kids from hard places whose family situation could change week to week? And I did fully explain to three people working there my situation including one "manager" who even checked with another "manager". I'm not asking for freebies, but couldn't $10 for my foster child's be sufficient for 40 minutes of play in a splash pad that isn't turned on? There are so many businesses that are fantastic with foster families and kids from hard places. This is not one....

Don’t recommend. There are others close by to check out Went for a day pass to check out before purchasing membership, glad I did! Charged $25 for myself and 2 year old. We only got to stay 1 hour for reason number 2. So it’s too steep in my opinion. We were enjoying our time in the pool when another family came in. All was fine until the mother began aggressively and repeatedly dunking her children under the water. This lasted for over 30 minutes at which point I left. This episode took up a majority of the pool as there were 5-6 children leaving the rest of the families with small and limited spaces. The mother continued to yell and cuss. While dunking the older children she would be ignoring the two small girls who screamed multiple times in fear because they were not able to swim or touch where they were. Additionally, the mother was not wearing a swimsuit, instead underwear and a tank top 7 sizes too small resulting in her breasts becoming exposed multiple times during the struggle to hold her children under water. I only wish I was making this up. The teeny bopper life guard is too busy playing on her phone and drinking her iced coffee to do anything, so don’t think you are safe. Overall I’m really disappointed, I’m trying to find a nice gym that is family friendly. This place is not safe. I know this is one experience, but if this is the behavior this establishment allows then it will...