Elk River YMCA

I have been a member of the Elk River YMCA for many years. But at the end of this month I will no longer be. I love to swim. That’s a big reason I joined the Y versus the other clubs with no swimming pool. But over the last year or so I have found myself unable to use the pool when I go. The YMCA subcontracted the pool to the elk River high school swim team. Don’t get me wrong I’m all for helping the kids but not at the expense of the dues paying members. The swim team gets the pool from 5:00 pm to close every Monday Wednesday and Friday. This goes on for months at a time. I work during the week so I can’t come that early. I have talked to YMCA management about my concerns and even offered solutions - like leave one lane open or have the swim team be done a half hour before close but I get blown off or ignored. I even asked the swim team once if I could use one lane for 15 minutes. There was plenty of room but all I got was an arrogant ‘nope we are using the pool. I pay dues there! Or at least I was. I should be able to use what I’m paying for. But they don’t care. I don’t think I’m being unreasonable here. So I’m done. It’s too bad too because it’s close to my house and it was a nice place.

unprofessional checking process, poor communication from the receptionists, they need to respect their clients, showed signs of discrimination — After talking with the manager, I do understand why do the staffs lack of customer services. They tend to defense instead of caring their customers. Per their policy that I didn’t know before, they require everyone show their ID whenever they go to the center. Today is my second day going with my daughter to her swimming class. From my first time yesterday I knew I would need to show my ID if I drop my kid off. But I am going with my family, not dropping off my kid by myself. It was fine yesterday that I thought either of us had an ID were good. Today my husband did show his ID but I didn’t have my ID with me. I was SEPARATED from my family to watch her class from the window (until I could show my ID in phone fortunately, when the class was almost ended). We asked if I could go for only this time but I was refused. The manager thinks it’s fine that my husband can help my 5 year old daughter for the shower and tried to say they are doing the right security things. She may think it would be better to follow their policy to reduce their risk of whatever than care about the families. I tried to explain that I am willing to follow the policy if I know it, and being flexible is needed. Do I look harmful for people in the center? She just tried to talk about the security things to protect people there. I am a mom going with my family that showing the ID would help on something? The manager just tried to convince me they are doing the right things and I should follow their policy. It’s the only swimming center I have known that has this policy like that. Would other centers be unsecured? It’s not the staffs’ issue under the unfriendly management style.