Family YMCA of Marion and Polk Counties

Fantastic experience: We love the after school program at our local elementary. The staff are very responsive and caring. Lots of fun crafts and projects available as well as outdoor activities.

Positive experience: I've been a Y member for about 6 years. I love playing racquetball there and do so with a great friendly group. If you looking to get into a new sport racquetball is the way to go. However, in the last months they fired a bunch of staff and replace them with new staff. The are not nearly as friendly, or personable. The previous staff even knew my name, but I rarely get a hello when I enter the building. The elevator is constantly not working. I have to carry by one year old up and down the stairs which is very tiring. The ONLY thing that keeps me there is the price. I would switch to the Courthouse if the price wasn't so cheap. Which they seem to be reducing services, but increasing prices so it might not be long before I do switch. Too bad, the YMCA is a staple of the history of downtown Salem and its further going to....crap.

Positive experience: I've been a member of this Y for about 10 years. I love it! Yes, the older building does have some challenges, but the programs and staff more than make up for it. The group exercise classes are AWESOME! They make you work hard, but the staff are supportive and help you reach your goals. I've also met with one of the personal trainers and he is fantastic. I'm planning on putting my daughter in swimming lessons soon and can't wait for her to be old enough to try some of the other activities.

Positive experience: I like this Y. I never had a bad time in any of the classes. They let you go at your own pace and modify if you need to. I am a sporadic attendee, but never have I been made to feel bad about that. The thing I love most about this gym that you really don't have to be beautiful to go. No posers or pick-ups, just health. It is downtown and there is some strangeness, but I have found that to be harmless. Most of the staff is friendly and energetic.