Emma B Howe Northtown Family YMCA

Negative experience: I would give this place a big fat ZERO if I could.... They have a lady in the front office that has an Anti-ice ICE pin she wears, I have brought it up to the manager above her and I was told it would be dealt with...... After ALMOST 2 MONTHS NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE ABOUT IT. I don't care what you do/ wear outside of your profession BUT try to be more professional while at work. I will NOT even get into the issues I have with the daycare/ pool areas

Fantastic experience: Very friendly environment. Love this place.

Negative experience: I was really excited to try a different YMCA! I checked the pool schedule before leaving and it said open swim both on the leisure pool and a few lanes for open lap swim during the time we would be there. Got there, was asked by the front desk if we had swim lessons, I said no, and they checked us in. I got changed with my little in the family locker room. I asked a lifeguard when we walked in for clarification about what areas were open for swim. She pointed to the shallow wading pool for little kids and the open lanes for lap swimming, but said the other sections were closed for lessons. We enjoyed the walk-in shallow pool for 30+ minutes. My little had a blast with the pool noodles. I was just getting him into a life jacket to try an open lane when a lifeguard came over to us and asked if we were in lessons. I said no. She then told us we could not be in the pool anymore. We got out despite my little wanting to stay longer. I was going to say something to the front desk on my way out but they weren’t even letting a family come into the Y when I got there, saying the pool was closed for lessons. I told the family we experienced the same thing. When we looked through the glass on our way out, there was literally only one kid in the shallow pool. Lessons weren’t even in that part of the pool! The family and I looked at each other and asked, “why is the pool staffed with lifeguards, swim instructors, and yet we can’t be there?” I rechecked the schedule on the way out and although it said the pool is closed during swim lessons, it still said open swim in the leisure pool during the time we were there, AND open lap swim in a couple lanes. This was the most unwelcoming experience I have ever had in an establishment. I am a dues paying member; I have checked schedules and swam at 7 different YMCAs in the Twin Cities and several in other states. This is unacceptable and extremely surprising for a YMCA to treat their own members this way. First, the Aquatics Director needs to update their schedule so that they say NO open swim, and list when the lessons are on Saturdays for the leisure pool schedule.

Fantastic experience: Very clean and social distanced. Felt safe.

Fantastic experience: The Y has something for everyone.

Fantastic experience: Great for the family

Fantastic experience: Great staff!

Fantastic experience: Love my YMCA, the staff are outstanding

Fantastic experience: Great workouts and classes

Fantastic experience: Great place to workout & swim, then enjoy the whirlpool & sauna. Friendly staff, respectful, family atmosphere. I recommend the "Emma B Howe," YMCA, without hesitation.

Fantastic experience: We really enjoy this YMCA, its probably on the smaller side compared to other locations, but that doesn't bother us any since we prefer it quiet. We don't have any complaints! The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, the pool and family locker room are clean and tidy (even though they're kind of aged you can tell they're cleaned!), the splash pad is fun and the environment is welcoming.

Positive experience: Very good, very helpful staff. Thank much and the cleaning is top grade,even the cup of joe.

Fantastic experience: I love swimming at this location! The staff are friendly and helpful.

Fantastic experience: This is my most fovorite Y around!! Its always clean even tho there are plenty of people in and out. People are respectful

Fantastic experience: Very great place to get buff.

Positive experience: I used to come here often in high school, it is a decent gym. They need to update their gymnasium schedule, has everything you need to work out. They have a pool, good location .

Fantastic experience: Great for teens and reasonably priced! Summer 2024 is currently FREE for teens which has been great for keeping them having fun without breaking the wallet.

Fantastic experience: Such a nice environment, clean and treat us well. Love the calmness after the shooting

Fantastic experience: Es el lugar donde entreno diariamente y me siento muy contento

Positive experience: Very clean, equipment always works, friendly staff.

Fantastic experience: Ppl who work here are the kindest. And it is nice working out with regular folx

Negative experience: Our family has had many negative interactions with Davian at the front desk. His treatment of members is unnecessarily harsh and overbearing. We just hope that his approach is just a power trip and not rooted in any bias towards Somalis and immigrants. If it’s the former, I hope trying to ruin people’s day with the little control u have reduces ur misery.

Fantastic experience: My Favorite YMCA, Nice friendly staff and friendly atmosphere at this location, and the other guests are nice as well. I've been to a few others ymca's in the metro area and they need to have all there staff train at this location, We'll done Emma B Howe location.

Fantastic experience: Best ymca of them all! Friendly staff that cares !

Fantastic experience: Clean & well maintained gym.

Fantastic experience: Great instructors and friendly staff.

Positive experience: Fun place, usually not too crowded

Positive experience: Clean. Full of families. Great location for family gym

Fantastic experience: I've been coming here for more than 20 years and it's still my HAPPY PLACE!

Negative experience: There is a woman African America decent working the front desk that is beyond rude. Please get rid of her.

Positive experience: Excellent personal trainers all the equipment is so clean the atmosphere is very conducive to motivation for the exercise and user friendly

Fantastic experience: Love this YMCA but wish they would change back their hours pre COVID. Paying for membership and hours not aligning with my schedule sucks sometimes

Positive experience: The y is nice enough. It looks old, but it's well maintained. The gym for the kids at child care is awesome.

Negative experience: Too many people on free membership with zero manners and behaving like animals. Please enforce the rules so members can enjoy the gym or stop giving out these free memberships which paid members are funding.

Fantastic experience: Love this ymca, here for school until april. Great staff, good pool, lots of equipment to use and in good condition. My ymca at home doesnt allow young kids under 14 in weight area, they do here to 10 years old which can be quite crowded and some screwing and running around can be a bit frustrating. Morning is best time to lift, not as crowded. Overall i enjoy working out here

Negative experience: The front desk guy was completely rude to me and was bulling my 13 yrs old daughter. He made my child cry and made her go to the end of the line for what reason I have no idea.i confronted him and he didn't even listen. But the next time i go back there or if I ever go back, their will be a scene with the police involved. Matter fact I'll take my member ship els were!

Fantastic experience: A nice place to work out without feeling like people are staring at me, judging.

Fantastic experience: Nice place to workout and the daycare is nice

Fantastic experience: Love this location for the aquatic amenities and friendly staff.

Fantastic experience: For kids there is an outdoor splash pad for the summer. It is open during the afternoons. Also there is a small waterside in the pool.

Fantastic experience: Always clean and everyone's very nice

Fantastic experience: All staff are wonderful! Very impressed today with the Forever Well programs and Kim, who runs them. She gave me a great orientation to the entire YMCA today! And on Wednesday, Heather gave me a truly helpful fitness assessment, a plan, and introductions to fitness equipment. I feel completely supported and very encouraged that I am beginning to improve my fitness.

Fantastic experience: Friends invited us to walk the track at the Y. Usually we walk at Northtown Mall. The track is on the second floor. Excersize equipment within the track. There is a scale if curious how much one weighs!

Positive experience: This place is packed at around 5:00 to 7:00 I don't really care for it I like lifetime fitness a little bit better it's more cleaner it it's okay though if you're looking for a good YMCA the elk River one is decent and so is the new hope

Fantastic experience: Foreverwell programs for seniors are great. Led by a friendly, caring and witty coordinator, Kim, I try to attend as many classes, virtually and in person, as possible. Thank you for helping me stay connected especially during the pandemic.

Fantastic experience: I have been a member at a few other exercise/fitness establishments and have benefited from all of them, however, I feel that the Ema B Howe YMCA has been our best due to the diversity of exercise options as well as the culture of the staff. The whole family, from young to old, are welcome and find options here.

Fantastic experience: This YMCA branch is exceptional in the day to day operation. Professional,friendly, and welcoming. Clean and sanitized.

Fantastic experience: I love the atmosphere and the energy I feel. Everyone trying to better themselves. People of various ages. Trying, giving it their best. I know when I leave I always feel a little better. More pumped to do better next tjme.

Fantastic experience: Staff was really friendly,professional & the location was clean. A little tucked away.

Fantastic experience: If you need a gym membership then this is your place it has a huge pool and gym plus classes for yoga and zumba.

Fantastic experience: A great place to work out and stay in shape they make you wear a mask at all times except in the locker rooms

Fantastic experience: Water Aerobics to oldies music is my thing. Wonderful hot tub.

Fantastic experience: The Y.M.C.A. IS great place to visited with your family. Have your children run around to use theirs energy. So you won't stay awake at night. Try to put them to sleep.

Fantastic experience: Emma B. Howe has done an amazing job of following all the standards for staying open during the Pandemic. The Y is offering classes, puts out a calendar of all events and checks on members during this time.

Positive experience: Always very clean, friendly staff...

Fantastic experience: use 3 times or more a week very friendly .

Fantastic experience: Great place lots of equipment Friendly staff

Negative experience: Too many issues to list. Dont Go There

Fantastic experience: Wonderful to be back in the warm pool and jacuzzi

Fantastic experience: It's beautiful to swim again after the 1year break!

Negative experience: The hours are too short.. and you guys are closed on Sundays.. not enough gym time.. or daycare hours for kids when working out.

Positive experience: Ever since the Aquatica director, Brooklyn, left this place is great! Kellie is a great lifeguard with a wonderful and friendly personality!

Negative experience: I am a disabled vet and I have a PCA who helps me and lives with me and I need to use the hot tub to get out of pain and the staff at the front desk is the manager told me I don't care that you need your PCA in the hot tub with you our rules are 1 person at a time only this is ridiculous and she told me if you need your pca with you then I guess you can't use the hot tub this is absolutely discrimination and I intend to talk to my insurance company about this and the better business Bureau!

Positive experience: I love this Y. Especially the weekend folks, they are so friendly. Its clean and well kept and there's a lot to do. My kids love their swimming lessons. The instructors are engaging and patient. Parking is good too.

Fantastic experience: Love the Y & the staff. Keeping us safe but still having a good time and workout in the pool. I love being back with my friends that I have made there.

Fantastic experience: Posted this review to 'YMCA - Coon Rapids' as well. Evelyn was a very helpful and made me feel extremely welcomed at this location. I was pretty nervous to ask for an explanation of where everything was when I first arrived but Evelyn was so welcoming! I didn't feel like a burden to ask her for help at all. This would be 4/5 only because of the free lockers. It is unfortunate that they get stuck in a locked position and people need to ask the front desk to help unlock it. The staff person who helped me with my locker was kind however I wish I didn't have to ask anyone. Than again, complaining about free things is pretty tacky.

Fantastic experience: No matter which location we visit, Emma B Howe is our favorite. There's a sense of belonging here.

Fantastic experience: The Y was ready to go. Lots of open space and disinfecting stations. Felt safer than at the grocery store.

Fantastic experience: I have been to other YMCA locations and this location has the best instructors anywhere. I go every single day and take several classes, I also use machines and walk the track. My husband is a member as is my daughter, her entire family, and my son. My grandchildren have taken swim lessons at the y. During the summer months it is louder due to the kid population but I believe the staff, for the most part, keeps them under control. They have an adequate daycare facility which was recently remodeled. Although I didn't notice an increase of activities available. They could use additional staff so the climbing area could be utilized more often. The pool is great but again they could use additional staff so that the water slide and water tree are open longer. I also noticed that each lifeguard seems to have a different set of rules for the water slide, they need to be more consistent so both children and adults know the rules.The splash pad is great, although it seems to cater more to younger children. My grandchildren have taken classes with me and have utilized kidstuff, the pool and the splash pad, they enjoy all areas. The Y also encourages members to volunteer for great programs like feed my starving children which we participated in.

Fantastic experience: There is inside playgraund. You can leave your children and enjoy play volleyball

Fantastic experience: One of the top twin cities YMCAs!

Fantastic experience: Love the pool here.

Fantastic experience: Love

Fantastic experience: We miss this YMCA during COVID19. We look forward to seeing you soon

Positive experience: Not very open yet. Hope they will be able to continue as an organization.

Fantastic experience: I love the women's 18+ bathroom idea

Positive experience: The pool at this location has too strong of a chlorine smell conpared to others...i

Positive experience: free if u have low income but if not too expensive. Many clssses are extra but great staff

Positive experience: I was a member here for over a year. The exercise equipment and staff were very nice. The downside is that this is not a 24 hour facility.

Positive experience: 3 Stars because of Social Distancing some activities not yet available Bring your own basketball If you wanna use the basketball court 2 people per hoop. Sauna and hot tub not yet open hours opened are now shorter. Not all YMCA's are opened this one is. Deposit to join a is now waived price has Increased

Positive experience: Open sooner than 8 am Saturdays. Many people work or spend time with their families. It would increase your business!! Your loosing business!! Just got booted out after only allowed 1 hour in the pool due to swimming lessons another reason to open early.

Positive experience: The place as a whole is great. They have a great pool area with a rain tree and waterside. Climbing wall is fun too. There is a few front desk employees who are rude when trying to get people to leave who are still changing. They can still remain professional when trying to get people to leave. I watched this one employee just be out right disrespectful to a family who was in the family locker room. I really hope they reported him to management.

Fantastic experience: My 4 year old son is on the spectrum, super hyper active and is taking swim lessons. His instructor, Jane was amazing with him! I thought for sure they were going to ask us to not come back because he needed 1 on 1 help. Totally the opposite! She told me it would be an honor to work with him! ❤

Fantastic experience: I go there almost every day! The water temp is great and the machines are always so nice good repair!

Fantastic experience: Always feel great after visiting the YMCA. Love the Zumba classes and also Oula, surprisingly... I thought I wouldn't like it but decided to go back a 2nd and 3rd time and really enjoy it now. Yoga is also excellent.

Fantastic experience: My kind of environment where you see familiar faces. Good place for family out such as swimming and exercising for a better you.

Fantastic experience: Today I had a great experience getting my in-laws a YMCA membership with their Silver Sneakers program; the front desk staff were so respectful, helpful, and courteous. Even though there was a line of folks getting memberships, they made waiting as pleasant as possible.

Fantastic experience: Great place to exercise. Friendly staff. I took an art painting class which was a lot of fun.

Fantastic experience: My family enjoys going here. Clean, friendly staff. Great kids stuff staff, front desk staff, instructors, sports programs and aquatics. The personal trainers are very knowledgeable. Home away from home.

Fantastic experience: My favorite YMCA. They are a diverse location. Child centered and Rick Director of Youth programs was great. He always worked with me to find payment plans so my kiddos could be involved.

Fantastic experience: I almost live here and I love the most of the staff. Weekend staff needs some work on the person who works up stairs on the weekends. Because when you need with anything up stairs you can't find him half the time. But other than that staff is amazing. The area is very funny when the water slide is on. But the times for that will be changing again.

Fantastic experience: I love the ymca

Fantastic experience: Well-trained staff, many long timers.

Positive experience: EPIDEMIC cellphone use in the locker room, workout areas and on the track is unacceptable. READ THE RULES. ENFORCE THE RULES!

Positive experience: I did a short tour of the facility. The staff was very helpful and friendly.

Positive experience: Emma B Howe Customer service is top notch in particular Tanya, keeps all senior happy and smiling.

Positive experience: I generally visit in the early morning, which I like the most. Friendly staff and others like myself who make it into a community at that time of day.

Positive experience: Great place for school release and summer release as well, they have tons of activities for kids to do and the staff is very friendly.

Negative experience: Poor pool maintenance. Looks like they just dump chlorine without measure. My kids and my skin always irritated after going there. Doesn't happen e after swimming at Andover location. And no wonder they have to disinfect so much . People in street clothes in pool, kids thriving up and poopingin pool a lot. I follow religious requirement for covering up too, but there are swimming gear available for that. No excuse for dresses in the pool. Gross

Positive experience: We visited this Y with a free pass we received at a birthday party there a couple of months ago. We used the pool. My 2 year old loved it. I couldn't believe how warm the water is. A