BON HOMIE SARATOGA

Concern Regarding Shower Facilities and Accessibility Policy I am writing to share a recent experience my family had at the YMCA, in hopes that it will be taken seriously and lead to thoughtful improvements. My husband brought our two-year-old son to swim. After their session, he took him to the shower area. As there is no designated family changing or shower room, they used the larger accessible shower compartment (currently labeled “Handicapped”), which has two shower heads and additional space. Given that he was assisting a toddler who was upset and needed help showering safely, the extra space was necessary. While my husband was bathing our son and trying to calm him, an elderly gentleman approached and told him, without any compassion, that they should not be using that room because it was reserved for handicapped individuals. My husband was taken aback and offered to speak with management if needed, but the man responded abruptly that “it’s the law,” not a management decision. The tension of the interaction frightened our son, who was already struggling with the shower experience. Afterward, my husband spoke with the front desk to ask whether there was a family-friendly shower or changing area available. He was told there is none. He expressed that without a designated family space, parents with small children may reasonably rely on the accessible stall for safety and practicality. He also suggested that the labeling be updated to “Accessible” rather than “Handicapped,” which is a more modern and inclusive term. We left feeling disappointed — not only because of the confrontation, but because the facility design leaves families with young children in a difficult position. Parents assisting toddlers often need additional space for safety. Without a family room option, situations like this are likely to happen again.

I’ve participated in the Les Mills Strength Training program since January 2025, and it has significantly improved my health and well-being. The program’s exceptional instructors have been instrumental in helping me improve my form, my strength and stay motivated. The Kids Club team has also played a huge role in making my child, comfortable and happy during drop-off, turning what used to be tantrums into a positive experience. My child has further benefited from swimming lessons with Ms. Teresa, where they made remarkable progress on their technique after just a few months of consistent practice, and we look forward to returning this summer. Tonya and her staff’s warm and welcoming demeanor has made both my child and me feel truly at home at Southwest YMCA. In addition, Mayu’s yoga classes have been fantastic, and I recently started attending Autumn’s Pop Pilates classes, which—while challenging—have been incredibly rewarding for strengthening my core. 💪🏽

YMCA is a wonderful organization. The team/staff are very supportive to all members. There has never been any judgment with my many setbacks and health challenges. What a great testament to Kim Miller’s leadership. She should be recognized for it. It’s the happiest place on earth!

I've patiently waited to convince myself that this YMCA isn't worthy to train the kids. Total miscommunication all over the place for swimming classes. I generally dont prefer to hurt one's business by writing public reviews, but the way they kept threatening to either cancel the classes 'or' get in line with their terms is totally dictatorial. No proper and consistent coaching staff since about 1.5 years since I've enrolled both my kids into classes. I've signed up for private swim lessons in the hope that my kid would learn swimming but there is no communication between private swim lessons & group swim lesson teachers because they are totally disconnected. Random instructors come in at random intervals. My kid learnt floating, can swim independently to some extent in private lessons but once he goes to group classes, he unlearns everything. THat's because of total lack of communication between teachers & groups of teachers. In 1.5 years, he had atleast 30 different swim instructors. No log of student progress, they just teach the same stuff over and over and over for many years. Not worth it. Pay little more money over some where else & let your kid learn swimming properly. I have videos of how my kid performs in private lessons vs group lessons and I would challenge the director here if he disagrees with my review.

My son attended the Warts School Of Wizardry summer camp this year, and he had SO much fun. It was a bit expensive for what was offered and what was included in my opinion, but it was worth it. He made new friends and got to live out his (and mine) dream of being a wizard! The staff was very friendly and informative. We will definitely be back next year!