East Pasco Family YMCA — Local services in Zephyrhills

I went to the YMCA in Zephyrhills today, Thursday, October 3rd, to ask about basketball for my daughter, who will turn 8 in January. I spoke with a basketball instructor there, but he only mentioned the private lessons he offers for kids, saying that’s how she would get the best attention and learn most effectively. He didn’t mention that there’s a seasonal basketball program for age groups starting in a couple of weeks. I asked about it because I had heard about it when I called the YMCA earlier. When I brought it up, he said, 'Oh, yeah, that starts next month.'

The problem was that he was very pushy about the private lessons. When I said I wasn’t interested and just wanted to book the seasonal basketball, he tried to sign her up for the 5-to-7-year-old group. Keep in mind, my daughter is almost 8, and I don’t want her playing with younger kids and wasting both time and money. He insisted she was 'too far from 8' and that this was the manager’s recommendation. However, I don’t believe his manager told him to push private lessons and omit information about the group program.

I left and went to the YMCA in Tampa on Bruce B. Downs. They were much more professional and had the proper age group for 7- to 8-year-olds, which makes sense. I signed her up and plan to enroll her in...

I recently joined at this location, and have been very happy with everything so far. The equipment is well maintained, there are lots of different classes available, and the staff is very knowledgeable. I was impressed at the one on one personal training you get to teach you how to properly use equipment, as well as attain your fitness goals. These two, fifty minute appointments are very helpful and give you a good understanding, as well as a comfort level, related to the equipment and how it will help you reach your goals. I also like the fact that I can bring a guest with me when I have out of town visitors. This allows me to work out and offer my guests something to do as well. I have been very impressed with the cleanliness of the entire facility, but most importantly, how clean the pool and locker rooms are. This is very important to me, and it tells a lot about how a business is run and managed. Kudos! I'm looking forward to participating in several of the classes offered as I continue to improve my overall fitness health. I think this YMCA would be a great choice for individuals as well...

SHAME ON YOU!!! Took my son for open court basketball last night, he's only with me every other weekend and during the summer also an evening here and there. A lady named DIA greeted us at the front counter. I explained to her that my son wanted to play open court. She grabbed a guest pass form and the asked us if he had ever been there before and we answered honestly, said yes about 3 months ago. DIA almost in like a you are busted style says you are only allowed one guest pass a year, she then proceeds to tell me that I can purchase a full membership or pay $15.00 a visit!!! I thought $15.00 was an insult for my 14yr old to play basketball for one hour so we left. I thought the YMCA was built to keep kids off the street! Good thing my son has a father and he didn't have to walk home in the rain! I grew up playing most days at the Boys club and one thing I remember is that they would've never sent a kid home over...